The Florida Panthers had their travel plans set for Friday, following a thrilling but disappointing 5-4 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. The team arrived at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, ready to embark on a 5 1/2 hour flight to Edmonton. Initially, the Panthers aimed to head to Alberta with a commanding series lead, but the best-of-seven series is now tied, making Game 5 crucial for both teams. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, and will be broadcasted on CBC, TVAS, SN, TNT, and truTV.
With three games remaining in this tightly contested series, the first team to secure two victories will be crowned the champion of the Stanley Cup. Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling emphasized the team's approach, stating, "I think our mindset is always playing for that Game 7 even though it might not always be seven games. That’s our mindset, so we’re calm and confident." Forsling expressed a strong belief in the team's ability to bounce back, noting, "If we play our game, we know we’re going to win most games." The players are eager to review video footage from Game 4 to identify areas for improvement, ensuring they are ready to return to the ice with renewed determination.
Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that the Panthers will maintain their current lineup for Game 5, highlighting the importance of team consistency during this critical phase of the Stanley Cup Final. With limited time for reflection on their recent loss, Maurice plans to utilize the duration of the flight to meticulously analyze the Game 4 performance. The Panthers initially took a commanding 3-0 lead before the Oilers rallied back, scoring three goals in the second period and eventually taking the lead in the third.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Panthers managed to force overtime when Sam Reinhart scored with just 20 seconds left in regulation, after the team had pulled goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky for an extra skater. However, the Oilers' Leon Draisaitl ended the contest at 11:18 of overtime. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov reflected on the challenges of traveling shortly after a tough loss, stating, "It feels like we just finished. But you just take care of yourself as good as possible." This series has been historic, featuring three overtime games, with two of those games tied in the final moments of regulation, marking a first in Stanley Cup Final history.
As the Panthers prepare for Game 5, the intensity of the series continues to heighten. Coach Maurice remarked on the emotional toll these games take on players and fans alike, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to manage those feelings. “I think it’s easier for the players. They get to go out and burn it off on the ice,” he said. With adrenaline high and stakes even higher, both the Panthers and the Oilers are ready to battle it out for an opportunity to secure the Stanley Cup.
