Florida Panthers Rally to Beat Edmonton Oilers in Thrilling Double Overtime

EDMONTON, Alberta — In a spectacular NHL showdown, the Florida Panthers emerged victorious against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, winning 5-4 after a nail-biting double overtime on Friday night.

Key Highlights from Game 2

• Brad Marchand’s Heroics: The Panthers’ star forward scored the game-winning goal on a breakaway at 8:04 of the second overtime. This marked Marchand’s 10th career goal in the Stanley Cup Final, making him the leader among all active players.

• Dramatic Comeback: During the final moments of the third period, Corey Perry tied the game for the Panthers with just 17.8 seconds left, after Stuart Skinner had been pulled for an extra attacker. This late-game drama kept fans on the edge of their seats.

• Strong Goaltending: Sergei Bobrovsky exhibited top-notch performance, stopping 42 of 46 shots faced. His crucial saves were pivotal in keeping the Panthers in the game when it mattered most.

Scoring Breakdown

• First Period: The game opened with both teams exchanging opportunities, setting the stage for an intense battle.

• Noteworthy Goals:

  • Sam Bennett netted his postseason-leading 13th goal, with 12 coming on the road, setting a new NHL record.
  • Seth Jones found the back of the net following spectacular tic-tac-toe passing.
  • Dmitry Kulikov scored to tie the game, firing a shot through traffic that caught goalie Stuart Skinner off guard.
• Second Period Dominance: The Panthers controlled the tempo, outshooting the Oilers 34-13 in attempts, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Game Statistics

• Overtime Drama: This was the first time since 2014 that the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final went to overtime, marking just the sixth occurrence in NHL history.

• Penalty Overview: A total of 14 penalties were called during the game, leading to 10 power plays. Each team had moments of frustration over officiating, but the calls eventually balanced out.

Stars of the Game

• Florida Panthers:

  • Brad Marchand: 2 goals, including the game-winner.
  • Sergei Bobrovsky: 42 saves, crucial in overtime.
• Edmonton Oilers:
  • Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl: Provided key assists, showcasing their dynamic offensive capabilities.

Looking Ahead

With Game 3 scheduled for Monday night in Sunrise, the Panthers have regained home-ice advantage following a split in Edmonton. This series promises to be an epic clash, with both teams demonstrating their strengths and tenacity.

• Upcoming Game Details:
  • Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
  • Location: Sunrise, Florida

As the series unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling moments as both teams aim for glory in the Stanley Cup Final.

For more updates on the Stanley Cup Final and in-depth game analysis, visit NHL.com.

This engaging recap of Game 2 highlights the key plays and players that defined the match and sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the series. Keep an eye on the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers as they battle for the championship!