NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — Paul Bissonnette blasts Oilers Game 5 performance vs. Panthers (image credit: IMAgn)

"Shocked at the amount of passengers that the Oilers had": Paul Bissonnette blasts Oilers Game 5 performance vs. Panthers

Modified Jun 15, 2025 15:11 GMT

Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette blasted the Edmonton Oilers for their lackluster performance in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday. The Oilers lost 5-2 at home to the Florida Panthers and now trail the series 3-2.

Bissonnette expressed shock at how many Oilers players seemed to be passengers rather than participants in the crucial game.

"I was actually shocked at the amount of passengers that the Oilers had tonight — I couldn't believe they laid an egg like that at home — but all credit to the Florida Panthers, boys," Bissonnette said (01:15), via "NHL on TNT."

"You could really tell that they were on a mission from the moment you saw them in the tunnel. Coming out, they seemed confident. They seemed loose, and they knew that they were going to establish their game early and often."

Bissonnette singled out the Panthers' third line as setting the tone early and grabbing momentum that Florida never relinquished.

Brad Marchand scored twice for the Panthers, while Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart and Eetu Luostarinen also tallied. Corey Perry and Connor McDavid were the goal scorers for Edmonton. Sergei Bobrovsky backstopped 19 saves, and Calvin Pickard had 14 in the loss.

The series shifts back to Florida, with the Panthers just one win away from recapturing the Stanley Cup. Game 6 will be on Tuesday in Sunrise.

Paul Bissonnette on Connor McDavid scoring his first goal for Oilers in the Stanley Cup final

Paul Bissonnette weighed in on Connor McDavid scoring his first goal of the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Final. Despite netting the goal in the third period to cut the Panthers' lead 3-1, Bissonnette felt it was too late from the Oilers superstar.

"Unfortunately, early on he had that glorious opportunity on that two-on-one, couldn't bury it, he finally finds the back of the net for the first time in the Stanley Cup Final," Bissonnette said on Saturday (5:28), via "NHL on TNT." "And I mean too little too late in my opinion."

The goal came just 46 seconds before Sam Reinhart restored Florida's three-goal advantage. McDavid has been a force throughout the playoffs, leading all scorers with 26 assists and 33 points through 21 games. However, he was held without a goal over the first four games.

About the author

Arjun is a journalist covering the NHL at Sportskeeda. With a deep understanding of the game and a knack for storytelling, he tries to bring the sport to life for readers. Whether he's analyzing a game, profiling a player, or discussing the latest trades and signings, he strives to deliver insightful and engaging content for hockey fans. Arjun excels in fact-checking, aiding research, and providing a fresh perspective on fellow writers' articles.

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins hold a special place in his heart.

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