Panthers Steal Game 2 in Double OT Thriller as Oilers Fall Short at Home

Panthers Steal Game 2 in Double OT Thriller as Oilers Fall Short at Home

Panthers Steal Game 2 in Double OT Thriller as Oilers Fall Short at Home

Wow, what a rollercoaster of a game! If you're just tuning in and wondering, “Did the Oilers win tonight?” —unfortunately, no. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final was a heartbreaker for Edmonton fans, as the Oilers fell 5-4 in a double overtime battle against the Florida Panthers. It was a dramatic, high-energy, back-and-forth showdown at Rogers Place that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

It was Florida’s Brad Marchand who ultimately broke the deadlock, scoring his second goal of the night on a breakaway just over eight minutes into the second overtime period. He snuck a slick backhand shot through Stuart Skinner’s legs, silencing the crowd and evening the series at one game apiece. This came after Edmonton had staged an incredible last-minute comeback, tying the game with only 18 seconds left in regulation, thanks to Corey Perry’s gritty goal during a 6-on-4 advantage.

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The first period alone was a barnburner—five goals, twenty-two penalty minutes, and relentless pace. Evander Kane and Evan Bouchard helped the Oilers erase an early deficit, while Connor McDavid dazzled with his elite vision and hands, setting up Leon Draisaitl for a power play beauty that had Rogers Place absolutely buzzing. Bouchard had a standout night too, recording a goal and two assists, continuing his stellar playoff performance.

But Florida refused to go away. They equalized multiple times and took advantage of some sloppy execution by Edmonton in the second period, with Dmitry Kulikov’s deflected shot tying the game 3-3 before Marchand struck shorthanded to give the Panthers a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes. The Oilers struggled with breakouts and puck management, a fact Head Coach Kris Knoblauch pointed to post-game, saying, “Our passes weren’t sharp, and if you can’t make that first pass, it kills your flow.”

Still, Edmonton’s resilience showed again late in the third when Perry's equalizer sent the game into overtime. The first OT featured missed chances and near misses on both ends—Marchand even hit the post—but it was the second extra frame where Florida finally sealed the deal.

Skinner made 37 saves, and Bobrovsky turned aside 42 shots in a goaltending duel that was just as intense as the skaters in front of them. It was a tough pill to swallow for Oilers fans, especially considering Edmonton's strong home record and recent momentum.

Now, the series shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4, and it’s clear this Final is shaping up to be a classic. The Oilers are still very much in it, and if tonight’s grit and fire were any indication, they're going to push right back. This series is far from over—buckle up.

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