In Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, Connor McDavid finally found the back of the net, scoring his first goal of the series to help the Edmonton Oilers, who were down 3-0 against the Florida Panthers. Despite his goal, the Oilers succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, putting them on the brink of elimination. McDavid has been heavily marked throughout the series, primarily by Aleksander Barkov's line, which has limited his scoring chances. Coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledges McDavid’s consistent effort, noting how challenging it is to score against such a tight-checking team.

With Zach Hyman out due to injury, the Oilers have struggled to find the right combinations on the ice. McDavid’s performance and ability to elevate his teammates are crucial for the Oilers in their potential last game of the season. Barkov emphasized McDavid’s talent, calling him the best player of this generation, reinforcing the challenge of neutralizing such a dynamic force.