Catch all the colour and pre-game festivities of the Stanley Cup in Edmonton
Panthers head home with a 3-2 series lead
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are back in Edmonton for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final at Rogers Place. Follow along here as we bring you all the colour from downtown, as well as some of the interesting stories we've covered leading up to the game.
10:05 p.m. | That's all, folks
Thanks for following along tonight for Game 5. The Oilers head to Florida Tuesday for Game 6, where the Panthers are within reach of a repeat Stanley Cup win.
9:40 p.m. | Fan Park packed
The Fan Park saw hundreds of fans come out to downtown Edmonton, despite a less-than-spectacular showing from the Oilers.
9:20 p.m. | Highlights and lowlights
The Panthers' Brad Marchand scored twice to lead the way for the Panthers.
8:50 p.m. | Oilers lose Game 5
The Edmonton Oilers lost Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final 5-2. The Florida Panthers are now within one game of a Stanley Cup win, with the series at 3-2. Game 6 is Tuesday in Sunrise, Florida.
8:30 p.m. | Oilers trail by three
Fans look on with baited breath as their Edmonton Oilers trail by three goals more than halfway through the third period.
6:35 p.m. | That's it for the moment
We are going to take a few moments and watch the game, but be sure to come back and check us out later this evening for the full result as well as some post-game celebrations.
6:32 | O Canada!
An aerial view of the Moss Pit as Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final gets underway in Edmonton.
6:30 p.m. | It's game on
Fans in the Moss Pit light up as the Oilers and Panthers step onto the ice for Game 5.
6:25 p.m. | Face paint art
Young fan Ynabi Negus gets some fresh orange, blue and white face paint moments before the puckdrop at Rogers Place.
6:20 p.m. | Fandom starts young
A young Oilers fan cheers on the team from behind the net during the pregame warmup skate.
6:15 p.m. | Big police presence
Edmonton police have a very noticeable presence in downtown Edmonton, as crowds swell before Game 5.
6:10 | Sun's out, fun's out
The Moss Pit reaches capacity right before puckdrop.
6:05 p.m. | More fan fun
Fans are soaking up the sunshine and festivities outside of Rogers Place. (Credit: Tristan Mottershead/CBC)
6:00 p.m. | Baby's first playoffs
Being seven-months pregnant hasn't stopped Scarlett Mayr and partner Robert Latte from taking in the watch party festivities.
The expecting couple travelled to Edmonton from Australia to visit family.
5:50 p.m. | Packed house
The fan park tent is packed with Oilers faithful awaiting the start of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final.
5:45 p.m. | Blue skies, finally
The James Barker Band entertains a huge crowd of Oilers fans in the fan park about one hour before the puck drops.
5:40 p.m. | Feeling the vibes
Music fans really enjoyed the James Barker Band, which headlined the pre-game entertainment beside Rogers Place before Saturday's Oilers-Panthers game.
5:30 p.m. | Country tunes
The seven-time Canadian Country Music Association award-winning James Barker Band was pumping up fans at the fan park before Game 5.
5:25 p.m. | That's a big ol' hat
Pretty fair to say that this man is an Oilers fan. Also, the rain has stopped, adding to the happiness of all the folks standing outside in downtown Edmonton. (Credit: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
5:20 p.m. | Cheers and more cheers
Edmonton Oilers fans continue to flock downtown to the Ice District. There is no shortage of blue and orange in the crowd — and that includes wet-weather gear. (Credit: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
5:15 p.m. | How well do Oilers fans know the team?
The Oilers have thousands of fans across the city, but how well do they know their favourite team? We put fan knowledge to the test with a series of Oilers trivia questions.
5:10 p.m. | The lineup
CBC's Tristan Mottershead was sent out to the field to see what the lineup looks like to get into the Moss Pit in downtown Edmonton.
We were not disappointed.
5 p.m. | Pickard to start in goal for Oilers
The Canadian Press's Joshua Clipperton earlier today reported that Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard will get the start in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final Saturday evening.
The 32-year-old is set to face the Panthers after making 23 saves off the bench in Edmonton's dramatic 5-4 overtime victory Thursday.
The flat, uninspired Oilers trailed 3-0 after an ugly first period that saw Stuart Skinner allowed three goals on 17 shots, while also making some massive stops. Pickard took over to start the second period.
Pickard improved to a perfect 7-0 this post-season with the victory.
4:45 p.m. | Here's hoping to hoist the real thing
Fan Jason Peters holds a replica Stanley Cup as action heats up around Roger Place before Game 5.
4:40 p.m | Hunter is having a ball
Edmonton Oilers mascot Hunter partied hard on stage with the Oilers Drum and Brass Crew, before the James Barker band started playing at the fan park beside Rogers Place.
4:30 p.m. | Now that's a moustache
This gentleman is not only sporting his team colours, but a pretty decent moustache as well. (Credit: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
4:20 p.m. | Is Wayne Gretzky or Connor McDavid the greatest Oiler of all time?
The Edmonton Oilers have had some standout players over the years.
Connor McDavid is considered the best hockey player in the world today, but is there a player more recognizable and important to the game of hockey than Wayne Gretzky?
We wanted to know who fans think is the greatest Oiler of all time: Gretzky or McDavid?
4:15 p.m. | These are dedicated fans
Truly nothing can stop Oilers fans from having a good time.
More people are streaming into downtown Edmonton to line up for the Moss Pitt, as we get about two hours away from puckdrop. Rain is still falling but it's lighter rainfall than earlier in the day.
4:10 p.m. | In enemy territory
Two Florida Panthers fans risked the rain and being in unfriendly territory to watch Game 5.
4 p.m. | Check out that hair
What else needs to be said? That is a serious flow. (Credit: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
3:45 p.m. | It's McJesus time
Fans line up to watch the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final in Edmonton on Saturday. (Credit: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
3:30 p.m. | Mayors from Edmonton and Florida trade bets over Stanley Cup final
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Mike Ryan, mayor of Sunrise, Fla., have renewed their friendly rivalry as the Oilers and Panthers are back in the NHL's Stanley Cup final for the second consecutive year.
3:15 p.m. | How Edmonton Oilers fans in B.C. cheer for their team on the other side of the Rockies
A sticker on the door of the Black Frog Eatery in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood features an Edmonton Oilers logo and the words "Welcome to Oil Country!"
The bar, located steps away from Gastown's steam clock, has long been a home away from home for Oilers fans and has been particularly busy during the team's current NHL playoff run.
"It is bananas. The best kind of bananas," said the Black Frog's front-of-house manager Michelle Thorne-Speir.
3:10 p.m. | Three hours and counting
With about three hours to puckdrop, the line for the Moss Pitt is several blocks long and growing larger by the minute, as fans stream downtown to watch Game 5.
3:05 p.m. | Edmonton kids share their hopes for the Oilers in the 2025 playoffs
CBC Kids News contributor Maya Endale speaks to Edmonton Oilers fans before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final.
3 p.m. | Powerful power plays
The Oilers and Panthers have each made great use of their man advantages in the final so far.
The Panthers have converted on one-third of their opportunities, scoring seven goals during their 21 power plays. The Oilers' special teams have scored during one-fifth of their power plays, going four for 20.
Through the playoffs, the Oilers have converted on 26.7 per cent of their man-advantage chances, while the Panthers are close behind at 26 per cent.
With both teams so evenly matched after four games, special teams could be a big factor for the remainder of the series.
2:45 p.m. | Oilers fever burns hot Down Under
Despite being on the other side of the world, former Edmontonian Krystal Goldstraw is closely following the Oilers' playoff run from Australia.
2:40 p.m. | You waited how long?
Superfans are showing their patience and excitement, waiting for watch parties hours before Game 5 starts.
From left to right are David Barber, Thomas Ridgeway and Tara Sparshu, who have been in line since 10 a.m.
2:30 p.m. | How do Oilers fans handle game-time stress?
With three overtime finishes after the first four games of the Stanley Cup final, stress is a familiar emotion for Edmonton fans.
CBC's Tristan Mottershead wanted to find out how Oilers fans handled these high-intensity moments.
2:25 p.m | World leaders are watching
Prime Minister Mark Carney will be watching Game 5 after all.
A week ago, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith invited Carney to attend the game in Edmonton. Carney, who grew up in the provincial capital, made his allegiance to the home team clear when he stopped at Rogers Place to skate with the Oilers in March.
But on Friday, Smith's office said the premier and Carney wouldn't be attending the game because of busy schedules.
Carney will instead be watching the game in Ottawa with Keir Starmer, prime minister of the United Kingdom.
2:15 p.m. | PHOTO GALLERY: Oilers fans show their pride during the playoff series
2:10 p.m. | It's definitely poncho weather
Oilers fans in the Ice District are sporting ponchos and umbrellas to try to stay dry in the rain. The Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast suggests there is a risk of a thunderstorm starting around 3 p.m. Saturday.
2 p.m. | Draisaitl's heroics
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was once again the overtime hero in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final, after having scored the game-winner in overtime in Game 1 of the series.
Draisaitl's four OT goals this post-season are the most ever in a single playoff run. The crafty forward has 32 points this post-season — tied for the league lead with Oilers captain Connor McDavid — including 11 goals, the most of anyone on the blue and orange.
Draisaitl called his game-winner on Thursday, "a fortunate bounce — no secret about it." But fortune seems to be favouring No. 29 so far during this playoff run.
1:50 p.m. | Get your merch
Overcast skies and rain have not stopped fans from heading to the Ice District to do some serious, last-second shopping for Oilers merchandise, just hours before gametime.
1:45 p.m. | Setting the time machine to 1990
Edmonton's Stanley Cup drought is going on 35 years.
When the Oilers last tasted champagne from the mug on May 24, 1990, Brian Mulroney was Canada's prime minister, Don Getty was Alberta's premier, Jan Reimer was Edmonton's mayor, and Madonna topped Billboard's Hot 100.
CBC's Ken Dawson takes a look back.
1:40 p.m. | Getting in early
Oilers fans are already trickling into the Moss Pit.
From left to right, superfans Dylan, Ian and Landyn Bekkatla, and Kashton Klippenstein and his father Chris were the first to arrive, starting their stake out more than six hours before puckdrop.
1:30 p.m. | Changing the face of Oilers fandom
Oilers fans show their support in all sorts of ways, but a more recent method is through facepainting.
CBC's Tristan Mottershead dives into the rise in colourful faces.
1:20 p.m. | Sweet ride
There are plenty of Oilers-themed vehicles driving around downtown Edmonton today, including this Audi R8, that CBC's Cameron MacCuish spotted at the J.W. Marriott beside the Ice District.
1:15 p.m. | Meeting the fans
Fans had the chance to meet and mingle with Edmonton sports broadcaster Gene Principe before leaving Rogers Place on Saturday.
1 p.m. | It's an even matchup
The even-split Stanley Cup final has played out quite differently than last year's series.
In 2024, the Panthers won the first three games of the series and led the best-of-seven 3-1 after Game 4. This year, besides being tied 2-2 after Game 4, three of the games have needed overtime to find a winner.
"Everything is dangerous all the time, so there's a mental intensity, mental toughness I think both teams show," said Panthers head coach Paul Maurice after Game 4.
"The game is not going to be over until it is. You've got three of four games in a final into overtime, you've got two evenly matched teams."
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said there are positives and negatives to such a tight series.
"It's stressful. There's a lot on the line," he said at a post-game news conference after Game 4.
"But it is fun. And I think our guys are having fun, enjoying this moment."
12:45 p.m. | This is the Oilers' year, right?
So the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers are in the Stanley Cup final — again.
For the second year in a row, the city is full of blue, orange and cheers to bring Lord Stanley's Cup home. But can the Oilers do it this time?
Take a listen to the latest episode of CBC's This is Edmonton podcast, with host Clare Bonnyman.
12:30 p.m. | Oilers fans survive roller-coaster of emotions in Game 4
Game 4 started with rain and a dreadful start for fans in Edmonton's Ice District, but it ended with showers of beer as Oilers fans celebrated a wild overtime win in Game 4.
CBC's Travis McEwan spoke to fans about the emotions they experienced.
12:20 p.m. | It's showtime
The hockey game won't be the only big show in Edmonton's Ice District on Saturday.
The James Barker Band will be headlining the Festival at the Final at the fan park next to Rogers Place.
The seven-time Canadian Country Music Association award-winning band will perform at 4 p.m.
Admission to the concert is free, and the venue opens an hour before the special performance.
Gates to Rogers Place and the Ice District Plaza watch party open at 5 p.m. Combined, both will have the capacity for 30,000 fans.
Fan-to-fan resale tickets, with prices starting around $700, are available for superfans who want to see the game in person.
Fans can also try to get last-second seats by signing up for alerts for extra tickets that could be released on a game-to-game basis.
For those planning to drive downtown, Edmonton police say to expect road closures and major traffic delays around the arena.
Police said 104th Avenue between 101st Street and 105th Street, and eastbound lanes of 105th Avenue from 101st Street to 102nd Street, will be temporarily closed at the end of the game.
Oilers fans who still want to watch the Oilers in Rogers Place during Game 6 in Sunrise, Fla., on Tuesday can get tickets for the Rogers road game watch party.
12:15 p.m. | Bring your wet weather gear
It's a great day for ducks, but maybe not so much for all of those diehard hockey fans looking to soak up the atmosphere of downtown Edmonton.
If you are planning on coming downtown, you best pack some wet weather gear. Rain is forecast for most of the day and into the night, with a risk of a thunderstorm late this afternoon and possibly this evening, according to Environment Canada. Tonight it is expected to be cloudy with a 60 per cent chance of showers.
12 p.m. | Home again, home again
After splitting the series after four games, the Stanley Cup final returns to Edmonton for Game 5 and the Oilers have regained home ice advantage. The final is now a best-of-three series for the Cup, with two of the games scheduled for Rogers Place.
Last year's final saw the Panthers get a 2-1 win in the seventh game in front of their home fans to capture the Cup, but this year, Game 7, if necessary, would be in Edmonton.
The Oilers have been successful at Rogers Place on this run to the final, with seven wins and just one loss at home. But both teams have had just as much success at home and on the road in this series, so whether the Oilers will benefit from the schedule remains to be seen.
Reporting by Trevor Howlett, Cameron MacCuish, Sam Brooks and Tristan Mottershead