Oilers vs Panthers Game 1: A Stanley Cup Final Classic
The 2025 Stanley Cup Final kicked off with a bang as the Edmonton Oilers edged the Florida Panthers 4-3 in overtime, thanks to a late power-play goal by Leon Draisaitl. It was a nail-biting opener filled with momentum swings, defensive brilliance, and postseason grit.
đź“ť Game Summary: A Tale of Three Periods and Overtime
1st Period: Bright Start, Early Trouble
- Oilers fired 11 shots but trailed early.
- Panthers capitalized on fewer opportunities.
- Edmonton lacked finishing despite pressure.
2nd Period: Panthers Dominate
- Florida held a 65.2% shot share.
- Generated 17 shots on goal, scoring only once.
- Stuart Skinner stood tall for the Oilers.
3rd Period: Edmonton’s Revival
- Mattias Ekholm tied it with his first of the postseason — the Oilers’ 20th different scorer.
- Edmonton outshot Florida 14-2.
- Controlled possession with a 58.3% shot share.
🔥 Overtime Drama: Draisaitl Delivers the Dagger
Overtime was chaos. The Panthers pressed early, nearly ended it twice:
- Kasperi Kapanen’s breakaway denied.
- Trent Frederic’s point-blank shot stopped.
Then came a late penalty against Florida. With just 1:06 left in overtime, Draisaitl buried the game-winner on the power play, stunning Panthers fans and lifting the Oilers to a 1-0 series lead.
đź“Š Key Stats: Game 1 Snapshot
| Team | Shots on Goal | Power Play | Faceoff Wins | Goaltender Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | 34 | 1/3 | 52% | Skinner – 31 |
| Florida Panthers | 30 | 0/2 | 48% | Bobrovsky – 30 |
🔍 Takeaways: What Game 1 Tells Us
1. Oilers Are Deep and Dangerous
With 20 different postseason scorers, Edmonton’s depth is unmatched. Ekholm’s goal highlights their blue-line threat.
2. Panthers’ Missed Opportunities
Florida controlled stretches but couldn’t finish. Their failure to capitalize in OT will haunt them going into Game 2.
3. Special Teams Matter
Game 1 was decided on a power play. Both teams must stay disciplined — penalties could decide the series.
4. Goaltending Will Be the Difference
Skinner outperformed Bobrovsky when it mattered most. The goaltender who holds strong under pressure will swing this series.
📅 What’s Next: Game 2 Outlook
Game 2 is set for Friday, and the pressure is now squarely on the Panthers to respond. Expect lineup adjustments, more urgency, and maybe some desperation from Florida as they try to even the series.
đź“Ł Final Word
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final: Oilers vs Panthers was everything fans hoped for — fast, physical, and full of playoff drama. If this opener is any indication, we’re in for a legendary series.
