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Monday Caterwaul: The calm before the Game 5 storm

Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (10) celebrates goal in the first period against the Edmonton Oilers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Alright, I think I’ve finally shaken off the hockey horror show that I witnessed on Saturday night when the Florida Panthers completely imploded and got drilled by the Edmonton Oilers by an 8-1 count.

The teams have arrived in South Florida for Game 5 and the Panthers will get a second shot at capturing the Stanley Cup on Tuesday night.

Saturday night’s rout was an ugly one, but on the good news front, the Panthers have gone 4-1 after a loss and have dropped back-to-back games just once this postseason.

In a very similar situation (and result) to Saturday night’s tilt, with a chance to sweep the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bolts ran roughshod over the Cats, posting a 6-3 victory at Amalie Arena before Florida rebounded to knock them out the playoffs with a 6-1 win on home ice.

The Panthers responded to each loss against the Boston Bruins with wins. After Boston took the opening game 5-1, Florida crushed them 6-1 in Game 2. The Bruins won Game 5 at Amerant Bank Arena, but the Cats bounced back to eliminate Boston 2-1 at TD Garden.

Florida’s only consecutive losses of the playoffs came against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Final. After blanking the Broadway Blueshirts to open the series, the Panthers dropped overtime decisions in Game 2 and in Game 3 before running off three wins to take the Prince of Wales Trophy.

The Panthers are a very resilient bunch, and should get a massive jolt from the huge home crowd that is waiting to see its beloved club hoist the Cup for the first time.

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