Draisaitl Delivers in Overtime Thriller as Oilers Stun Panthers in Game 1
So let’s talk about Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final—what a game that was. If you're a hockey fan, this was one of those matchups you dream about. Edmonton versus Florida. Two explosive teams, a rematch of last year’s final, and it delivered right out of the gate.
The Florida Panthers came into this with confidence and wasted no time showing why. After Edmonton opened the scoring early thanks to Leon Draisaitl pouncing on a rebound, the Panthers fired back with urgency. Sam Bennett tied it with a controversial goal—it deflected in while he was tangled up with Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner. The officials took a look, but it stood. Moments later, Brad Marchand gave Florida the lead, and by the time the second period opened, Bennett struck again to make it 3-1. The Panthers were flying, and for a moment, it felt like they were in full control.
But the Oilers didn’t flinch. They answered almost immediately with a goal from Viktor Arvidsson, who capitalized on some crisp puck movement from Podkolzin and Bouchard. That momentum slowly built through the second period, even though no more goals came from it. Come the third, though, Edmonton turned it up to eleven.
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The Oilers completely dominated possession in the third period, outshooting Florida 14 to 2. It was relentless. Finally, Matthias Ekholm broke through to tie it up at 3-3, assisted by none other than Connor McDavid. You could feel the energy shift right there—Edmonton had seized control, and Florida looked like they were hanging on.
Then came overtime, and that’s where things got wild. Florida tried to push early, but they couldn’t hold on. A critical mistake from Tomáš Nosek—he lifted the puck out of play from his own zone, leading to a delay-of-game penalty. You do not want to give the Oilers a power play in overtime, and it cost the Panthers big time.
Cue Leon Draisaitl again. With McDavid swirling around and the Oilers swarming the net, Draisaitl found the back of the net for the game-winner. Just like that, Edmonton completed the comeback with a 4-3 overtime victory.
It was dramatic, physical, and fast—exactly what a Stanley Cup Final opener should be. Edmonton leads the series 1-0, and with Game 2 back in their house, the Panthers have some regrouping to do. If this first game is any indication, we’re in for an unforgettable series.
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