Game Date: 06-14 Time: 8:10 PM EST

Moneyline: Panthers -102 | Oilers -118

The Stakes:

The Stanley Cup Final is deadlocked at 2-2 as the series shifts back to Florida for Game 5. This game carries immense weight, as the winner will be one win away from hoisting the Stanley Cup. After the Oilers impressive performance in Game 4, momentum is definitely shifting to them. But the Panthers have won both games at home in the series so far and will rely on that.

Key Storylines:

• The Scales Are Balanced: With a tied series, it’s anyone’s Cup to win. Which team can seize control and dictate the pace of the final stretch?
• Oilers’ Offensive Surge: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have found their stride, leading the Oilers’ offensive surge. Can the Panthers contain them this time?
• Panthers’ Response: What adjustments will the Panthers make after dropping two straight in Edmonton? Do they have a tactical reset ready?
• Goaltending Battle: Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner’s performances will be under even more scrutiny now that the series is even. Which goalie can be the difference-maker in this crucial game?
• Special Teams: Power plays and penalty kills can be game-changers. Are either team holding something back on special teams?

Panthers Keys to Victory:

• Shut Down McDavid/Draisaitl: It’s easier said than done, but the Panthers *must* find a way to contain Edmonton’s superstars.
• Re-Establish Physicality: Remind the Oilers that they’re in *Florida*. Make them pay a physical price every shift.
• Rediscover Offense: The Panthers need to get more balanced scoring. Relying solely on their stars won’t cut it.
• Big-Game Bob: Bobrovsky needs to be the rock again, not just *good*.

Oilers Keys to Victory:

• Maintain Momentum: Carry the confidence and offensive intensity from Games 3 and 4 into this game.
• Continue to Spread Out The Offense: Yes, the two stars are key, but when the bottom six contribute the team does very well.
• Exploit Defensive Lapses: The Panthers aren’t invincible. Find and exploit defensive breakdowns when they occur.
• Avoid Penalties: Playing a disciplined game will be key to not allowing the Panthers to find some power play momentum.
• Keep Pushing the Pace: A higher-tempo game is to their advantage.

Prediction:

Game 5 in a tied series is always a pressure cooker. With the momentum shifting towards the Oilers, many might expect them to continue their roll. However, I believe it is a bit more complex. Given that, look for a very close game with lots of hits. I have the series changing today: **The Panthers are winning a close game at home!** They come out roaring to start the game, and while the Oilers put up a fight, their lack of energy in the first period cost them.

Sources:
NHL.com: Official Site of the National Hockey League
NHL (@nhl) • Instagram photos and videos
Schedule | Jun 13, 2025 | NHL.com
NHL (@NHL) / X
NHL 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket
National Hockey League – Wikipedia
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NHL on ESPN – Scores, Stats and Highlights
NHL – YouTube
NHL (@NHL) / X