Oliver Ekman-Larsson exposed for lackluster effort on goal against

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Cooper Godin
June 19, 2024 (6:37)

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The Florida Panthers had another chance to hoist the Stanley Cup with Game 5 being held at home, but the Edmonton Oilers had other plans, once again.

Thanks to a second-straight four-point performance from their captain, Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers walked away with a 5-3 win, cutting the series to 3-2 as they head back to Alberta for Game 6 on Friday night.

Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson did his part to help the Panthers keep their dreams alive in Game 5, scoring in the third period to bring cut the Oilers' lead to just one goal.

However, Oliver Ekman-Larsson's goal might get overshadowed for what many are calling a lack of effort on Connor McDavid's empty netter late in the final frame.

The Oilers shot the puck down towards the empty net when Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk skated as fast as he could and dove to keep the puck out of the net. Ekman-Larsson, who was trailing the play behind Connor McDavid, must've thought the puck went into the net already because he skates away into the corner and was on his way back to the Panthers' bench, when he notices the Oilers captain with the puck. By the time Ekman-Larsson noticed, McDavid was already putting the puck into the net to get Edmonton a 5-3 lead.

"OEL completely gave up on this play.

Stanley Cup in the building, no big deal"

There's no doubt that this a play the coaching staff will go over with Oliver Ekman-Larsson to ensure it doesn't happen again, regardless if he thought the puck had gone in the net or not. You have to play hard every shift until the referees blow the whistle.

On Friday night, Ekman-Larsson and the Florida Panthers will have their third opportunity in this series to win their first Stanley Cup. Puck drop is set for 8 pm ET/5 pm PT and can be watched on CBC and Sportsnet across Canada.

Who do you think will win Game 6 on Friday night - Edmonton or Florida? Let us know what you think in the poll below.