Oilers beat Panthers 4-3 in OT in Game 1 of Stanley Cup rematch
The Edmonton Oilers emerged victorious in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers, securing a thrilling 4-3 overtime win at Rogers Place. Leon Draisaitl was the hero of the night, netting two goals including the game-winner with just 31 seconds left in the extra period, thanks to a setup from superstar teammate Connor McDavid.
The game got off to an electric start as Draisaitl opened the scoring within the first minute of play, setting the tone for an intense battle between the two powerhouse teams. The Panthers fought back, with Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand finding the back of the net to give the visitors a lead heading into the first intermission.
Despite being down a goal after the first period, the Oilers came out strong in the second frame. Viktor Arvidsson’s goal brought them within striking distance, setting the stage for a dramatic third period. Mattias Ekholm, who had been sidelined with an injury for most of the playoffs, made a triumphant return by scoring the tying goal, sending the game into overtime.
The tension was palpable in the extra period, with both teams trading scoring chances. The Panthers came out aggressively, but a delay of game penalty proved costly as Draisaitl capitalized on the power play opportunity to clinch the win for the Oilers.
This victory holds special significance for the Oilers, as it marks a rematch of last year’s heartbreaking final against the Panthers. After falling short in 2024, Edmonton now has a shot at redemption with home-ice advantage for the first two games of the series.
The Panthers, on the other hand, are aiming for their second Stanley Cup title in three years under the guidance of head coach Paul Maurice and key acquisitions like Seth Jones and Brad Marchand. With a dynamic lineup led by Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers are a formidable opponent for the Oilers.
As the series unfolds, fans can expect a fierce battle between two evenly matched teams vying for hockey’s ultimate prize. The stage is set for an epic showdown between the Oilers and Panthers, making this Stanley Cup final rematch a must-watch for hockey enthusiasts around the world.
