As the 2025 Stanley Cup Final heads into a critical Game 5 tonight at Rogers Place in Edmonton, both the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers stand tied at 2–2, with the momentum swinging dramatically after one of the most thrilling comebacks in Finals history.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of Game 5 in a tied best-of-seven series has gone on to win the Cup over 79% of the time in NHL history. For Edmonton, the game represents a golden opportunity to capitalize on home ice and a surging emotional high; for Florida, it’s a chance to reset and reclaim the control they had after winning Games 1 and 2.
Game 4: A Defining Moment
Game 4 on June 12 delivered instant-classic status. The Panthers stormed out to a 3–0 first-period lead, seemingly on their way to a commanding 3–1 series advantage. But the Oilers mounted an epic comeback, tying the game at 4–4 late in regulation before Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winner in overtime.
The win marked Edmonton as only the seventh team in Stanley Cup Final history to overcome a three-goal deficit and win the game. It was also the first time since 1919 that a team pulled off such a comeback on the road in the Final.
Draisaitl’s goal was his second overtime winner of the series and fourth of the playoffs, further solidifying his place as a clutch performer in the postseason.
Key Players to Watch
Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers
Draisaitl is putting together a brilliant postseason, tallying 28 points in 20 games, with his latest contributions playing a vital role in shifting the series momentum. His chemistry with Connor McDavid continues to be central to Edmonton’s attack.
Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers
The breakout defenseman leads all blueliners in playoff scoring with 22 points, controlling the game’s pace from the back end. His ability to transition the puck and quarterback the power play gives Edmonton a unique edge.
Sergei Bobrovsky – Florida Panthers
The veteran netminder had been nearly unbeatable through the first two games but has looked human in Games 3 and 4. He’ll need to return to form for the Panthers to contain Edmonton’s firepower.
Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers
Though not lighting up the stat sheet this series, Tkachuk remains Florida’s emotional engine. His ability to draw penalties, deliver hits, and create chaos in front of the net makes him a vital contributor in pressure games.
The Goaltending Dilemma in Edmonton
One of the biggest storylines heading into Game 5 is Edmonton’s goaltending situation. Stuart Skinner, who had been the team’s starting goaltender throughout the playoffs, was pulled in both Games 3 and 4 after giving up early goals. Calvin Pickard came in as a reliever in both games, stopping 22 shots in Game 4 and helping to preserve the comeback win.
Pickard is now 7–0 when coming in as a relief goalie during these playoffs and has earned praise for his calm demeanor under pressure. However, head coach Kris Knoblauch has yet to confirm who will start in Game 5, leading to significant speculation from analysts and fans alike.
If Pickard starts, it would be his first career Stanley Cup Final start—an enormous spotlight for a backup goaltender. If Skinner gets the nod, it will be a vote of confidence despite his recent inconsistency.
Panthers Looking to Reclaim Their Identity
After dominating in the opening two games of the series, the Panthers now face questions about their composure and defensive structure. Their normally disciplined forecheck faltered in Game 4, leading to odd-man rushes and defensive lapses that Edmonton capitalized on.
Coach Paul Maurice downplayed the panic, calling the Game 4 loss a “wake-up moment” and expressing confidence that his team would bounce back with renewed focus in Game 5.
Florida will need more from key players like Aleksander Barkov, who has been neutralized in 5-on-5 play, and Sam Reinhart, whose scoring touch has cooled since the Conference Final.
The Emotional X-Factor: Rogers Place
Game 5 marks a return to Rogers Place, where the Oilers will enjoy one of the loudest and most passionate fanbases in the NHL. The arena is expected to be at full capacity, with pregame festivities already transforming downtown Edmonton into a playoff carnival.
The Oilers are 6–2 at home during this postseason, and the fans have often been referred to as Edmonton’s “seventh man.” If the team gets off to a strong start, the building could become a real difference-maker.
Numbers to Know
80%: Teams that win Game 5 of a 2–2 series win the series 80% of the time.
3.7 goals/game: Edmonton’s average in this postseason—the highest of any team.
92%: Florida’s penalty kill success rate in the playoffs, which will be tested against Edmonton’s lethal power play (29.3% efficiency).
4: Overtime wins for Draisaitl in this year’s postseason—tied for second-most all time.
Broadcast & Viewing Info
📅 Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM MT
📍 Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
📺 Broadcast: Sportsnet, TNT, CBC, ESPN+ (USA)
Final Thoughts
With both teams showing resilience, skill, and flashes of brilliance, Game 5 is shaping up to be the series-defining moment. The Oilers ride a wave of momentum and hometown energy, while the Panthers will aim to reassert control and show why they dominated earlier rounds.
Goaltending decisions, defensive matchups, and special teams could all determine the outcome of what promises to be a fierce, fast, and emotional night in Alberta.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain: fans are witnessing one of the most compelling Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory.
