3 things Florida Panthers did wrong in Stanley Cup Final Game 5 loss to Edmonton Oilers

The Florida Panthers could not close out their Stanley Cup Finals series at home against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers dropped Game 5, 5-3, sending the series back to Alberta for Game 6 on Friday night.

While the Florida Panthers played a solid game, they could not overcome Connor McDavid and the Oilers’ vaunted offense. With the series now 3-2 in the Panthers' favor, it’s worth looking at what went wrong for the Panthers in game 5.

3 things that went wrong for the Florida Panthers in Game 5

#1: The Panthers could not stop Connor McDavid

The biggest issue for the Florida Panthers has been their inability to control Connor McDavid in the last two games. For the second game in a row, McDavid has registered four points. In Game 5, McDavid led the offensive charge with two goals and two assists.

However, it wasn’t just McDavid that made life difficult for the Panthers. Zach Hyman also got on the board, while Evan Bouchard had three assists. Considering that Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a quiet night, the Oilers’ big guns showed up when needed.

Heading into Game 6, the Panthers will need to figure out a way to keep McDavid in check. Otherwise, this series could be headed to a winner-take-all Game 7.

#2: The penalty kill failed big time

The Oilers’ power play has suddenly come back to life. For the Florida Panthers, it’s a big problem. Edmonton went 2 for 5 with the man advantage, seemingly recovering its form from the regular season. The tight Florida Panthers’ penalty kill has apparently evaporated, allowing the Oilers to play their game.

The best example was the Zach Hyman power-play goal in the second period. He was left all alone in front of the net to tap in a pass from outside the slot. In the previous three games, the Panthers had been able to keep the front of the net clear. However, the Oilers have reclaimed that spot, making the Panthers pay.

#3: The Panthers tried to match the Oilers’ free-wheeling style

Down 4-1, the Florida Panthers opened up their game, using more of their speed to create rush chances. In particular, the Panthers seemed less inclined to play defensively in the third. Of course, the Panthers were down 4-2 entering the third, necessitating an offensive approach.

This situation is a stark contrast to the way the series had played out in the first three games. The Panthers had to come back in the third instead of trying to clamp down on the game. This change in context has forced the Panthers to deviate from their usual game plan, allowing the Oilers to control much of the narrative.

The Panthers will need to get back to playing with the lead in the third period if they want to close out the series in Game 6.