The Edmonton Oilers kicked off the Stanley Cup Final rematch with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night. Leon Draisaitl was the hero, scoring the game-winning goal, marking his second goal of the match.
The game, held at Rogers Place, saw the Oilers rally from a 3-1 deficit. They managed to score three unanswered goals, showcasing their determination and skill on home ice. Draisaitl opened the scoring just over a minute into the first period, capitalizing on a deflection from a shot by Kasperi Kapanen.
However, the Panthers quickly responded. Sam Bennett tied the game at one with a controversial goal. After a review, it was determined that Bennett was tripped, allowing the goal to stand. The Panthers took the lead shortly after when Brad Marchand scored on a power play, putting them ahead 2-1. Bennett added another goal, extending Florida’s lead to 3-1 in the second period.
Despite the early struggles, the Oilers fought back. Viktor Arvidsson scored to narrow the gap to 3-2, and Mattias Ekholm tied the game in the third period, setting the stage for overtime. The Oilers outshot the Panthers 46-32, with Stuart Skinner making 29 saves.
In the overtime period, a critical mistake by Panthers forward Tomas Nosek led to a delay of game penalty. The Oilers took advantage of the power play, with Connor McDavid assisting Draisaitl for the decisive goal, sealing their comeback victory.
This win not only sets the tone for the series but also highlights the resilience of the Oilers, who have shown they won’t back down easily. The next game promises to be just as intense as both teams continue their quest for the championship.