Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final delivered a back-and-forth battle last night at Rogers Place, with the Edmonton Oilers ultimately claiming a 4-3 overtime win against the Florida Panthers. The contest saw both teams display significant offensive moments and strong goaltending, setting the stage for a competitive series.
The Oilers started strong, with Leon Draisaitl finding the back of the net just 1:06 into the first period, giving Edmonton an early lead. However, the Panthers responded effectively. Sam Bennett tied the game at 10:49, and shortly after, Brad Marchand capitalized on a power play at 12:30 to put Florida ahead 2-1.
Florida extended their lead in the second period when Sam Bennett scored his second goal of the night at 2:00, making it 3-1. The Oilers began their push back, with Viktor Arvidsson cutting the deficit to 3-2 at 3:17 of the second.
The third period saw Edmonton press hard for the equalizer. Mattias Ekholm, assisted by Connor McDavid, found the tying goal at 6:33, bringing the score to 3-3 and forcing overtime. The Oilers outshot the Panthers 14-2 in the third period, demonstrating their offensive pressure.
In the extra frame, both teams generated scoring opportunities. The decisive moment arrived late in overtime when Florida’s Tomas Nosek received a delay of game penalty. On the ensuing power play, McDavid fed Leon Draisaitl the puck and he scored his second goal of the game, at 19:29 of overtime, sealing the 4-3 victory for the Oilers.
Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves in the game, facing a high volume of shots from the Oilers. Stuart Skinner of the Oilers made 29 saves. The Oilers now hold a 1-0 series lead as the teams prepare for Game 2, scheduled for Saturday in Edmonton.
Game 2 is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday June 6. We assume the Panthers will come out guns blazing to prevent them heading back to Florida 2 – 0. It’s all good until you lose at home so hopefully that’s not an experience the Oilers have to face tomorrow.
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