Panthers vs Oilers: Game 1 Highlights – Stanley Cup Final 2025
In a thrilling opener to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers edged out the Florida Panthers 4–3 in overtime at Rogers Place on June 4. Leon Draisaitl delivered the decisive blow, scoring the game-winner on a power play late in the extra period. The contest showcased high-intensity hockey, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying series.
Game Recap: Oilers Triumph in Overtime
The game commenced with early fireworks as Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring for Edmonton at 1:06 of the first period. Florida responded with Sam Bennett's goal at 10:49, followed by Brad Marchand's power-play tally at 12:30, giving the Panthers a 2–1 lead. In the second period, Bennett extended Florida's advantage to 3–1. However, Edmonton's Viktor Arvidsson narrowed the gap to 3–2. The Oilers completed their comeback in the third period with Mattias Ekholm's goal at 6:33, tying the game at 3–3. In overtime, a penalty by Florida's Tomas Nosek for delay of game led to a power-play opportunity for Edmonton. Draisaitl capitalized on this chance, assisted by Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, securing the victory for the Oilers at 19:29 of overtime.
Scoring Summary
| Period | Time | Team | Goal Scorer | Assists | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1:06 | EDM | Leon Draisaitl | Kasperi Kapanen, Jake Walman | 0–1 |
| 1st | 10:49 | FLA | Sam Bennett | Carter Verhaeghe, Matthew Tkachuk | 1–1 |
| 1st | 12:30 | FLA | Brad Marchand (PP) | Nate Schmidt, Evan Rodrigues | 2–1 |
| 2nd | 2:00 | FLA | Sam Bennett | Nate Schmidt, Carter Verhaeghe | 3–1 |
| 2nd | 3:17 | EDM | Viktor Arvidsson | Vasily Podkolzin, Evan Bouchard | 3–2 |
| 3rd | 6:33 | EDM | Mattias Ekholm | Connor McDavid, Kasperi Kapanen | 3–3 |
| OT | 19:29 | EDM | Leon Draisaitl (PP) | Connor McDavid, Corey Perry | 3–4 |
Key Players
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Leon Draisaitl (EDM): Scored twice, including the overtime winner, showcasing his clutch performance in high-pressure moments.
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Sam Bennett (FLA): Contributed two goals, leading Florida's offensive efforts and keeping them in contention throughout the game.
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Connor McDavid (EDM): Registered two assists, playing a pivotal role in Edmonton's offensive plays and facilitating key scoring opportunities.
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Stuart Skinner (EDM): Made 29 saves, providing solid goaltending that kept the Oilers in the game during critical moments.
Game Analysis
The Oilers' resilience was evident as they overcame a 3–1 deficit, demonstrating their depth and experience in high-stakes games. Draisaitl's performance, especially his overtime goal, underscored his reputation as a big-game player. McDavid's playmaking abilities continue to be a significant asset for Edmonton.
For Florida, Bennett's offensive output was a bright spot, though the team will need to address defensive lapses and capitalize on power-play opportunities to even the series. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky faced numerous shots, and while he made several key saves, the team must work on limiting high-quality chances against him.
Looking Ahead
With the Oilers taking a 1–0 series lead, the Panthers will look to regroup and adjust their strategies for Game 2. Key areas for improvement include tightening defensive coverage and enhancing special teams' performance. The series is poised to be a closely contested battle, with both teams possessing the talent and determination to claim the championship.
Conclusion
The opening game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers lived up to its billing, delivering intense action, dramatic goals, and a thrilling overtime finish. Edmonton’s 4–3 win, powered by Leon Draisaitl’s two-goal performance and Connor McDavid’s playmaking, has given the Oilers early momentum in the series.
While the Panthers showed flashes of brilliance—particularly through Sam Bennett’s two-goal effort—they’ll need to regroup quickly to even the series. As both teams head into Game 2, fans can expect more physicality, speed, and elite skill from two of the NHL’s top franchises.
