In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, the Florida Panthers leveled the 2025 Stanley Cup Final series against the Edmonton Oilers with a dramatic 5-4 double-overtime victory in Game 2 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. The win was secured by Brad Marchand, who scored his second goal of the night at 8:05 into the second overtime period, sending the Panthers and their fans into jubilation and tying the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by a frenzied first period that saw both teams combine for five goals, the highest-scoring opening frame in the Stanley Cup Final since 2016. The Oilers initially held the upper hand, leading 3-2 after the first 20 minutes, powered by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid delivered a highlight-reel assist, weaving his way past Selke Trophy winner Aleksander Barkov and top defenseman Aaron Ekblad before setting up Draisaitl for his tenth goal of the playoffs. The Oilers' early dominance was reflected in the shot count and physicality, outshooting the Panthers and leading in hits.
However, the Panthers, under the guidance of coach Paul Maurice, regrouped impressively in the second period. They tightened their discipline, dominated puck possession in the offensive zone, and turned the tide with two crucial goals. Dmitry Kulikov knotted the game with a sharp wrist shot, assisted by Matthew Tkachuk, while Marchand electrified the crowd with a short-handed breakaway goal, showcasing his speed and precision. Marchand’s ability to capitalize on chances was evident throughout the game, and his resilience after a challenging opening period was key to Florida's comeback.
Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers' goaltender, weathered an initial storm in the first period, conceding three goals early. Nevertheless, he settled down spectacularly, finishing with 41 saves on 45 shots and allowing just one goal over more than three periods. His performance was critical in keeping Florida competitive, especially during intense moments when Edmonton pressed hard.
The third period was a nail-biter, with the Panthers clinging to a 4-3 lead. Edmonton's Corey Perry, a veteran with a knack for clutch moments, delivered a heart-stopping equalizer with just 18 seconds remaining, forcing overtime for the second consecutive game in the series. This late goal epitomized the Oilers’ never-say-die spirit and set the stage for an epic overtime battle.
In overtime, both teams exchanged opportunities, with Marchand nearly ending the game in the first overtime period. He had a chance on a rebound after receiving a pass from Carter Verhaeghe, but the puck rattled off the post, prolonging the suspense. The ice grew chippy as fatigue set in, and goaltenders Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner, who boasts a 7-4 record with a 2.49 goals-against average and .904 save percentage, stood tall in net.
At 8:04 of the second overtime, Panthers forward Anton Lundell made a pivotal play, flipping the puck ahead to Marchand on a breakaway. Marchand coolly slid the puck between Skinner's pads, sealing the victory and igniting a massive celebration on the ice. "To be honest, I blacked out. I don't even know where it went," Marchand told TNT after the game. "Obviously a fortuitous bounce and we'll take it." This goal not only tied the series but also demonstrated Florida's depth and ability to perform under pressure.
Coach Paul Maurice praised the team's leadership and resilience, stating, "We have so many different leaders on the team that can manage different situations. We definitely have that confidence in our group that we can be resilient in situations." The Panthers’ ability to bounce back after blowing a third-period lead in Game 1 and then holding their nerve in double overtime showed their championship mettle.
On the other side, Edmonton's coach Kris Knoblauch has been managing his star-studded roster with care, often pairing McDavid and Draisaitl mid-game to spark offense, though not throughout entire shifts to maintain balance. "It’s nice to know when those two get together mid-game that the results are pretty good," Knoblauch said. Despite their offensive firepower, the Oilers have yet to close out a game in this series, with Perry’s late goal in Game 2 underscoring their fighting spirit.
The series now heads to Sunrise, Florida, where Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. The Panthers will look to capitalize on their momentum and home-ice advantage, while the Oilers aim to regain their footing and avoid falling behind in the championship round. With the series tied, fans can expect more high-octane hockey, star performances, and dramatic moments as both teams vie for the coveted Stanley Cup.
Notably, no Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since 1993, and the Oilers are carrying the hopes of their nation as the second Canadian team with home-ice advantage in the Final since the 2011 Vancouver Canucks. The Panthers, meanwhile, are defending champions and have demonstrated throughout the playoffs their depth and resilience, with ten players registering double-digit points, led by Sam Bennett’s 18 points and 13 goals.
The stakes have never been higher, and with Games 4 through 7 scheduled over the next two weeks if necessary, the NHL Stanley Cup Final promises a captivating conclusion. Both teams have shown they can score in bunches, defend tenaciously, and battle through adversity. As the series progresses, every shift, every shot, and every save will be magnified in the quest for hockey’s ultimate prize.
