If the Panthers squander this lead, it would mark an event not seen since the World War II era.
Home Ice Advantage
Holding a 3-1 series lead, the Panthers have been formidable on home ice throughout the playoffs, boasting a four-game winning streak at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. They had a 26-13-2 home record during the regular season and are 8-3 in the playoffs.
This is promising news, especially after Florida’s dominant Game 3 performance. However, they faced a significant setback in Game 4, losing 8-1 to Edmonton, which tied for the second-worst playoff defeat since 2001 and in a Cup final game ever. Fortunately, it only counts as one loss.
Panthers Have History on Their Side
Panthers fans, don’t worry. Despite not yet celebrating the Stanley Cup, a 3-1 lead with home ice advantage is a strong position. The Oilers are the 29th team in NHL history to trail 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Final. Only the Toronto Maple Leafs have ever come back from such a deficit, achieving this against the Detroit Red Wings in 1942. No modern team has managed this feat.
To stress: If the Panthers lose this lead, it would be unprecedented since WWII. While not impossible, it’s highly unlikely.
Should the Oilers manage a comeback, Game 6 would be in Edmonton on Friday, June 21, and Game 7 back in Florida on Monday, June 24.
Favorable Odds
For those who enjoy betting, the odds strongly favor the Panthers. They are -1200 to win the Stanley Cup and -145 to clinch it in Game 5 on home ice. FanDuel has the Oilers’ odds to win at +720.
Even if you don’t gamble, those numbers indicate that betting on the Oilers would be a long shot. The smart money is on the Panthers winning the cup in Sunrise tonight. Game 5 starts at 8:00 p.m.
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