The Florida Panthers delivered a heart-stopping performance at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB, on June 7, 2025, securing a thrilling 5-4 double-overtime victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final. The win, clinched by Brad Marchand’s golden goal eight minutes into the second overtime, evened the series at 1-1 and set the stage for an electrifying return to Florida.
The atmosphere inside Rogers Place was electric yet tense as both teams battled fiercely through regulation and the first overtime period. The Panthers took an early lead just two minutes into the game when Sam Bennett scored a power-play goal, assisted by Nate Schmidt and Evan Rodrigues. This goal marked Bennett’s 13th of the postseason and set a new NHL record for the most road goals in a single postseason, underscoring his clutch performance under pressure.
Edmonton responded swiftly, with Evander Kane tying the game at 7:39, followed by Evan Bouchard’s goal assisted by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, giving the Oilers a 2-1 lead. Florida was quick to answer, with Seth Jones leveling the score again at 11:37. Yet, Leon Draisaitl reclaimed the lead for Edmonton with a power-play goal at 12:37, making it 3-2 by the end of the first period.
The second period saw the Panthers mount a spirited comeback. Dmitry Kulikov tied the game at 3-3 with help from Carter Verhaeghe and Seth Jones, and then Brad Marchand, playing a pivotal role throughout the night, scored a shorthanded goal that put Florida ahead 4-3. Anton Lundell’s assist on Marchand’s shorthanded tally highlighted the Panthers’ aggressive penalty-killing unit and their resilience in tight moments.
As the third period unfolded, the Oilers refused to back down. Corey Perry scored a dramatic late goal at 19:42, assisted by Jake Walman and Connor McDavid, tying the game 4-4 with just 18 seconds left on the clock. This last-minute heroics sent the contest into overtime, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The first overtime period passed without a goal, intensifying the suspense. Then, at 8:05 into the second overtime, Brad Marchand delivered the decisive blow, scoring his second goal of the game and third of the series with an assist from Anton Lundell. The goal ignited wild celebrations among the Panthers players and their fans, while the Oilers’ supporters were left stunned in the nearly full arena.
Marchand, reflecting on the victory, expressed the team’s exhilaration: “Pure excitement and adrenaline, for our whole group. It’s obviously a very important game for our team. We all knew we were one shot away, and luckily it went our way. You could tell the excitement that our group had,” he said, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of the night.
Back in Florida, Panthers fans gathered at the Inn Field Bar & Grill in Sunrise to watch the game, their cheers echoing the excitement felt thousands of miles away. The watch party, which charged a modest $15 entry fee benefiting the Florida Panthers Foundation, was packed with passionate supporters. The energy was palpable as fans celebrated the all-important split in Edmonton that kept the series alive.
For many fans like Lorenzo Echeverria from Boca Raton, the stakes are high and the passion is unwavering despite soaring ticket prices for upcoming games. Echeverria paid $500 for a seat in the last row for Game 3 and noted, “I didn’t go the last couple of years, I was like, this year, I don’t care what the prices we going. With Game 6, I think it is starting in like $1,000. I love the Panthers, but I got loans.” His dedication reflects the deep connection between the team and its fanbase, who are ready to rally behind their champions no matter the cost.
Young fans like 13-year-old Jackson Drowos also embody the team spirit, sporting personalized Panthers jerseys and eagerly anticipating the next games. His favorite player, Sam Bennett, has been a standout performer, and Jackson cherishes the vibrant atmosphere that Panthers games create.
The series now heads back to Florida, where Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025. The Panthers have the momentum after their dramatic win, and the home crowd is expected to provide a raucous backdrop. With both teams so evenly matched, the Stanley Cup Final promises to be a historic battle, potentially stretching to seven games as these two titans vie for hockey’s ultimate prize once again.
As the teams regroup and prepare for the next showdown, the Panthers’ resilience and Marchand’s clutch scoring have injected fresh life into the series. The Oilers, however, have proven their mettle with last-second heroics and relentless pressure, ensuring that the battle for the Stanley Cup remains wide open.
This nail-biting Game 2 victory for the Florida Panthers not only evened the series but also showcased the thrilling unpredictability of playoff hockey. Fans on both sides can expect more heart-pounding moments as the Stanley Cup Final shifts to the Sunshine State, where the Panthers will look to capitalize on their momentum and take control of the championship series.
