In a thrilling Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 4, 2025, Sam Bennett emerged as the star for the Florida Panthers, etching his name into franchise history with a remarkable performance against the Edmonton Oilers. Bennett’s two-goal effort, combined with Brad Marchand’s power-play strike, propelled the Panthers to a 3-2 lead through two intense periods in Edmonton, Alberta.
The game began at a frenetic pace, with Leon Draisaitl giving the Oilers an early advantage just 66 seconds into the contest. However, Florida quickly responded, with Bennett tying the game at 1-1 midway through the first period. The goal came off a deft deflection of Carter Verhaeghe’s shot past Oilers’ goaltender Stuart Skinner, showcasing Bennett’s opportunistic instincts. This set the tone for an electrifying first period where Bennett and Marchand scored less than two minutes apart, swinging momentum firmly in the Panthers’ favor.
Bennett’s first goal initially sparked controversy as the Oilers challenged it on grounds of goaltender interference. The NHL’s situation room reviewed the play and ruled that Jake Walman had tripped Bennett into Skinner, nullifying the interference claim and confirming the goal. This decision underscored the tight margins in such a high-stakes encounter and allowed the Panthers to maintain their grip on the game.
As the match progressed, the Oilers fought back valiantly, with Mattias Ekholm capitalizing on a brilliant feed from Connor McDavid to knot the game at 3-3. Ekholm’s laser shot into the net highlighted the resilience of the Oilers and kept the contest delicately poised.
Yet, it was Bennett’s second goal that truly made headlines. This strike not only gave the Panthers a 3-1 lead at that moment but also marked a historic milestone for the player and the franchise. With this goal, Bennett extended his postseason tally to 12 goals, setting a new record for the most goals scored by a Florida Panthers player in a single postseason. He surpassed the previous record held jointly by Matthew Tkachuk, who scored 11 goals in the 2023 playoffs, and Carter Verhaeghe, who matched that mark in 2024.
What makes Bennett’s achievement even more extraordinary is the context of where these goals have come. Eleven of his twelve postseason goals have been scored on the road, tying an NHL record for the most road goals in a single postseason. This feat matches the record set by Mark Scheifele in 2018, placing Bennett among the elite goal scorers in league history.
The Panthers’ offensive surge, led by Bennett’s dynamic play, has been a defining storyline throughout this postseason. His knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments has energized the team and fans alike, proving invaluable as Florida pursues its second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Brad Marchand’s power-play goal also played a pivotal role, coming at a critical juncture to stretch the Panthers’ lead and apply pressure on the Oilers.
Despite Florida’s strong showing, the Oilers remain a formidable opponent. Led by superstar Connor McDavid and the relentless Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton’s offensive firepower has tested the Panthers’ defense throughout the game. The equalizer by Ekholm off McDavid’s setup was a testament to the Oilers’ ability to strike back and keep the series competitive.
As the Stanley Cup Final unfolds, the battle between these two talented teams promises to deliver more drama and excitement. Bennett’s historic performance in Game 1 has set a high bar, but the Oilers will be eager to respond in the upcoming games. Fans can expect a series filled with skill, intensity, and moments that could define careers and legacies.
For Florida, Bennett’s record-breaking goals not only highlight his personal excellence but also symbolize the team’s collective pursuit of hockey glory. The Panthers’ blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy has been on full display, and their ability to perform under pressure will be critical as the series continues.
Meanwhile, Edmonton’s resilience and star power ensure that no lead is safe and no game is decided until the final buzzer. The Oilers’ determination to reclaim the Stanley Cup on home ice adds an extra layer of motivation, promising a fiercely contested series.
As the second period concluded with Florida holding a narrow 3-2 lead, the stage is set for an enthralling continuation of the Stanley Cup Final. Bennett’s historic night will be remembered as a defining moment in the series, but with so much hockey left to play, both teams know that the battle for hockey’s ultimate prize is far from over.
