The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown as the Edmonton Oilers staged a breathtaking comeback to defeat the Florida Panthers 5-4 in overtime during Game 4 on June 12, 2025. This victory knotted the series at 2-2, setting the stage for a high-stakes Game 5 in Edmonton this Saturday.
Trailing 3-0 after a dominant first period by the Panthers, the Oilers appeared to be in deep trouble. Florida's Matthew Tkachuk ignited the early surge with two power-play goals, while Anton Lundell added a late first-period tally to put the Panthers in commanding control. The Panthers seemed poised to extend their 2-1 series lead and return home with momentum.
However, Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch made a pivotal decision by pulling starting goaltender Stuart Skinner after conceding three goals on 17 shots in the opening period. Calvin Pickard was summoned to the crease for the second period, sparking a remarkable turnaround. Pickard, who had been stellar in relief during the playoffs, stopped 22 of 23 shots and made several key saves, including a critical stop on Lundell's breakaway early in the second period.
The Oilers' offense responded with vigor. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins opened the comeback just 3:33 into the second period, followed by Darnell Nurse's precise shot that slipped past Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Vasily Podkolzin then tied the game with a sweeping backhand shot, energizing the Oilers and their fans. Jake Walman later gave Edmonton its first lead of the night with a powerful slap shot at 6:24 of the third period.
Just when it seemed the Oilers had seized control, Florida's Sam Reinhart delivered a dramatic equalizer with 19.5 seconds left in regulation. In a frantic scramble with Bobrovsky pulled for an extra attacker, Reinhart found a narrow window to wrist the puck into the net, forcing overtime and stunning the home crowd.
Overtime was a tense affair, with both teams pressing for the decisive goal. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl, the star forward who had been held scoreless in Game 3 for the first time this playoff run, rose to the occasion. With a one-handed shot from the face-off circle, Draisaitl's puck deflected off Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola's skate and slipped through Bobrovsky's five-hole at 11:18 of overtime. This goal not only clinched the thrilling victory but marked Draisaitl's fourth overtime game-winning goal of the playoffs, setting a new NHL record.
Draisaitl's performance was nothing short of spectacular, finishing the night with a goal and two assists. His resilience and clutch scoring have been a cornerstone of the Oilers' playoff success, tying him with Connor McDavid for the league lead in postseason points with 32.
Despite Florida's early dominance, the Panthers faced an unprecedented setback. Prior to this game, teams leading by three or more goals after the first period in Stanley Cup Final history were undefeated at 37-0. The Panthers became the first to lose under such circumstances, underscoring the magnitude of the Oilers' comeback.
Penalties played a significant role in the game's flow. The Oilers' discipline woes continued, with three power-play penalties in the first period alone, allowing the Panthers to capitalize twice. Evander Kane's high-sticking penalty and Darnell Nurse's tripping call put Edmonton on the back foot early. Florida's power play has been effective throughout the series, scoring seven goals on 21 opportunities.
Florida's Matthew Tkachuk was a standout performer, tallying two goals and an assist. His ability to find space and make critical plays was evident, including setting up Reinhart's game-tying goal. Tkachuk's playoff experience and physicality have been vital for the Panthers, who also benefited from contributions by Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell.
The goaltending subplot added further drama. Skinner, who had an impressive 6-0 record in Game 4s during his playoff career, struggled early and was replaced by Pickard, who continued his remarkable postseason run with a 7-0 record. Pickard's calm and timely saves were instrumental in shifting momentum, and his performance has sparked speculation that he will start in net for Game 5.
Off the ice, the atmosphere was electric with notable attendees including NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, who praised the series as "as good of playoff hockey as I have ever seen," and pop superstar Taylor Swift alongside NFL star Travis Kelce, adding star power to the intense rivalry.
Looking ahead, the series now heads to Edmonton with everything to play for. The Oilers, buoyed by their resilience and Draisaitl's heroics, will aim to capitalize on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Panthers, who have historically fared well holding a 2-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final, will seek to regroup and regain their early dominance.
Coach Kris Knoblauch's lineup adjustments, including the insertion of Jeff Skinner and Troy Stecher and shifting Connor Brown to the top line, paid dividends in Game 4. The Oilers' ability to adapt and respond under pressure will be critical as the series intensifies.
As the 2025 Stanley Cup Final continues, both teams have demonstrated remarkable skill, heart, and competitive spirit. With multiple overtime thrillers and historic comebacks, this series promises to captivate hockey fans through to a potential seventh game showdown.
Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Edmonton, where the Oilers will look to leverage home-ice advantage and the momentum from their unforgettable Game 4 victory.
