WATCH: ‘Furious’ Bill Zito, Panthers GM, throws bottle in anger after Connor McDavid’s brilliance in Game 5

Connor McDavid led his team, the Oilers to seal a 5-3 win after an early lead in the Game 5.

WATCH: ‘Furious’ Bill Zito, Panthers GM, throws bottle in anger after Connor McDavid’s brilliance in Game 5

Panthers GM Bill Zito throws bottle in anger after Connor McDavid's goal (Via Sportsnet/X/Edmonton Oilers)

The Edmonton Oilers seem to be on a redemption path as they aim for a comeback after three opening losses, and to win the ultimate Stanley Cup Final. Although the last team to do this was back in 1942, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Oilers appear to be going in the right direction with an upbeat triumph over the Florida Panthers by 5-3. 

However, as much as it was thrilling to watch Connor McDavid score an empty net goal and lead his team to seal a 5-3 win after an early lead in the game. Something that happened in Florida’s booth caught the attention of many– the Panthers General Manager Bill Zito hurled a water bottle onto the ground using considerate force as he failed to contain his frustration of seeing his team once again fail to clinch the Stanley Cup. 

YouTube video

Before Edmonton’s victory in Game 5, the Panthers had it smooth sailing with a 3-0 lead in the season. However, with the 8-1 bombing in Game 4 followed by the Oilers’ 5-3 victory in Game 5, the winds seem to have changed their course and favored the Oilers thereon. Considering the turn of events for the Panthers after two hefty games, Zito’s frustration seems rather reasonable, even when he stormed out of the stadium after McDavid’s goal, on Tuesday. 

FS Video

Interestingly, the team whose record the Oilers aim to break with their comeback after three opening losses is also the team, who had quite a similar incident with a water bottle after suffering defeats at the hands of the Panthers in last season’s playoffs. 

The Edmonton Oilers seek redemption after last season’s defeat in Playoffs round 2

Until Game 5 of the NHL 2024 series, the Panthers were in the dominating position moving a step closer to the Stanley Cup with each game. However, considering the Oilers’ current position, they have indeed made the series more interesting and competitive. 

Edmonton Oilers' 5-3 victory in Game 5
Edmonton Oilers 5-3 victory in Game 5 (Via CTV News Edmonton)

The Panthers are aiming to redeem themselves from the agonizing loss against the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals. After the failed attempt of last season, Florida has set their sights solely on the Stanley Cup for the 2024 season. 

The upcoming NHL Final will have another showdown between the Oilers and Panthers scheduled on Friday at Rogers Place. It is worth noting that, the Panthers remain in the lead at 3-2. 

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