After the Edmonton Oilers secured a Game 5 win over the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, Pat McAfee posted a GIF of Connor McDavid's celebratory moment on the ice and directed a playful query at former NFL player Darius Butler.
"Wowwwww MCDAVID AND THE OILERS ARE COOOKING. Is everything alright @DariusJButler?"
In response, Butler replied:
"Lotta puck left to be played!!!" indicating optimism for the Panthers heading into Game 6.
Darius Butler is a vocal supporter of the Panthers. After the Panthers and Edmonton Oilers Game 5, Butler tweeted:
"Let’s FINISH!!!", showing his support despite the loss.
McDavid scored two goals and assisted twice in Game 5. He became the first player in NHL history to score four points in consecutive games in the Stanley Cup Final. Despite a valiant effort by the Panthers, Edmonton triumphed 5-3. McDavid's contributions helped Edmonton overcome a 3-0 series deficit to make it 3-2.
Edmonton Oilers' strong team performance leads to victory in Game 5
The Edmonton Oilers showed a strong team performance with contributions from Corey Perry, Evan Bouchard and Stuart Skinner. Perry commended McDavid for his leadership in important moments, while Bouchard achieved a new NHL record for most assists (26) by a defenseman in a postseason.
"He puts this team on his back," Perry said (via NHL.com). "When we're against the wall, he puts us on his back and he plays. You see why he is the best player."
Despite early setbacks, Edmonton controlled the game with effective penalty-killing and power-play conversions. Florida struggled on special teams, going 0-3 on power plays.
Although Florida mounted a comeback in the third period with goals from Evan Rodrigues and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, it wasn't enough.
Coach Kris Knoblauch noted the Edmonton Oilers' confidence heading into Game 6 at home in Edmonton.
"I know a lot of guys counted us out," Knoblauch said. "We've been counted out a lot through the playoffs, regular season, whatever. But it doesn't faze the group in there."
"They have a lot of belief and a lot of just enjoying every extra day because we were counted out a long time ago and we're still here playing hockey in June. We are going back to Edmonton for Game 6 and there's a lot to smile about."
Game 6 will take place at Rogers Place in Edmonton this Friday at 8 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN+, CBC, Sportsnet, and TVA Sports.