Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final(Panthers vs Oilers) delivered playoff drama at its finest as the Florida Panthers edged the Edmonton Oilers 4–3 in overtime. Relive every goal, momentum swing, and clutch play from a series-defining thriller.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is living up to every ounce of its billing as one of the most anticipated championship series in recent NHL history. Game 2 delivered a heart-pounding spectacle that fans will remember for years. After a heated contest full of lead changes, defensive standoffs, and spectacular goaltending, the Florida Panthers emerged victorious in overtime, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4–3 at Rogers Place to tie the series at 1–1.
First Period: Panthers vs Oilers
The Oilers wasted no time electrifying the home crowd. Just 66 seconds into the opening frame, Leon Draisaitl made his mark. Edmonton’s ever-deadly German sniper rifled a one-timer past Sergei Bobrovsky off a quick setup from Jake Walman and Kasperi Kapanen. The quick-strike goal gave the Oilers a 1–0 lead and sent Rogers Place into a frenzy.
But Florida wasn’t rattled. The Panthers, well aware of Edmonton’s speed and offensive depth, settled in and began to press. Sam Bennett—continuing his impressive playoff campaign—redirected a Carter Verhaeghe shot past Stuart Skinner at 8:57. That goal reignited Florida’s bench and silenced the raucous Oilers fans momentarily.
Brad Marchand, one of the Panthers’ most experienced playoff performers, capitalized on a power play midway through the period, giving Florida a 2–1 lead. Marchand’s goal, assisted by Nate Schmidt and Evan Rodrigues, reminded viewers that the veteran winger remains a force in pressure situations. His net-front presence and feisty style continue to make him a postseason asset.
By the end of the first, the Panthers had flipped the script. Outshot early, they closed the period with growing puck possession and a lead.
Second Period:Panthers vs Oilers Stanley Cup Final
The second frame saw the Panthers extend their advantage. Just two minutes in, Sam Bennett struck again. This time, a sharp-angle finish on a well-orchestrated rush left Skinner with no chance. Nate Schmidt collected his second assist of the night, and Verhaeghe added his name to the box score once more.
At 3–1, the game threatened to get away from the Oilers. But they didn’t fold.
Only a minute and change later, Viktor Arvidsson found twine. A silky feed from Evan Bouchard helped Arvidsson slice through the Panthers’ defensive coverage and beat Bobrovsky cleanly. Vasily Podkolzin earned a secondary assist on the play. The Oilers’ quick response restored hope and signaled that the game was far from over.
The middle period also saw the physicality ramp up. Bodies flew, boards rattled, and whistles came more frequently. Players from both teams engaged in scrums after whistles, setting the tone for what might be a punishing remainder of the series.
Third Period: Panthers vs Oilers
As the final frame began, Florida clung to a narrow 3–2 lead, but Edmonton continued to apply relentless pressure. Connor McDavid, who had been relatively quiet on the scoresheet up to this point, began taking over shifts. His acceleration and edge work created chaos for Florida defenders, forcing Bobrovsky into several key saves.
With just under two minutes remaining, and the Oilers pressing with an extra attacker during a delayed penalty, disaster struck for the Panthers. Tomas Nosek, trying to clear the puck, inadvertently lofted it over the glass—delay of game.
Edmonton took advantage.
On the ensuing power play, McDavid and Corey Perry orchestrated a brilliant sequence. With seconds left in regulation, McDavid feathered a pass through traffic to Draisaitl, who buried his second of the game with 31 seconds remaining on the clock. The arena exploded, and the game was tied at 3–3.
Momentum was firmly in Edmonton’s hands heading into overtime—or so it seemed.
Overtime: Florida’s Redemption:Panthers vs Oilers
The Panthers came into OT under heavy pressure. Having surrendered the lead late, fatigue and momentum favored the Oilers. But Florida showed resilience that championship teams are made of.
From the opening faceoff, both teams traded quality chances. Skinner and Bobrovsky were tested early. A key block by Aaron Ekblad prevented what looked like a sure goal by McDavid, while Skinner stoned Rodrigues on a breakaway moments later.
Then came the turning point.
Midway through overtime, Marchand forced a turnover in the neutral zone, springing Bennett and Verhaeghe on a 2-on-1. Bennett held the puck just long enough to freeze Skinner before threading a pass across to Verhaeghe. One-timer. Game.
Verhaeghe’s snipe at 11:02 of overtime sealed a 4–3 win and shifted the series narrative. Florida players swarmed the ice as the stunned Edmonton crowd looked on in disbelief.
Key Stats and Standouts:Game 2
Florida Panthers
- Sam Bennett: 2 goals, 1 assist – A clutch performance that set the tone for Florida.
- Carter Verhaeghe: 1 goal (GWG), 2 assists – His OT winner capped a dominant game.
- Brad Marchand: 1 goal, 1 assist – Veteran leadership and clutch execution.
- Sergei Bobrovsky: 43 saves on 46 shots – Calm, focused, and vital in key moments.
Edmonton Oilers
- Leon Draisaitl: 2 goals – Deadly finishing and physical presence.
- Connor McDavid: 2 assists – Created multiple chances and carried the offense in OT.
- Evan Bouchard: 1 assist, 28 minutes TOI – Anchored Edmonton’s back end under pressure.
- Stuart Skinner: 37 saves on 41 shots – Kept his team alive but ultimately outdueled.
Tactical Breakdown
Panthers’ Puck Management
Florida excelled at neutral zone control and smart transitions. They didn’t overcomplicate plays and avoided costly giveaways. Their defensive structure collapsed effectively in high-danger areas, limiting McDavid’s space.
Oilers’ Offensive Depth
Even in defeat, Edmonton’s ability to roll multiple scoring lines kept them in the game. Draisaitl, Arvidsson, and McDavid were all dangerous. However, their third line was ineffective, often hemmed in by Florida’s aggressive forecheck.
Special Teams Battle
Florida went 1-for-2 on the power play, while Edmonton capitalized late with a 6-on-4 goal. While both units were sharp, Florida’s penalty kill deserves recognition for limiting McDavid’s time and space for most of the night.
Implications for the Series:Panthers vs Oilers
This win may go down as a series-defining moment for the Panthers. Not only did they take back home-ice advantage, but they also proved they can respond to adversity in a hostile building.
The Oilers, meanwhile, will be asking tough questions. While their top stars delivered, defensive breakdowns and a lack of finish on multiple odd-man rushes came back to haunt them.
What Comes Next?
Game 3 shifts the series to Sunrise, Florida, where the Panthers have been dominant in the postseason. The pressure is now on Edmonton to respond on the road. How the Oilers adjust—particularly their defensive matchups and penalty kill strategies—will be crucial.
For Florida, the formula remains: tight checking, smart puck movement, and relying on Bobrovsky to come up big when needed.
Final Thoughts:Panthers vs Oilers
Game 2 was a masterpiece of playoff hockey: high stakes, emotional swings, and jaw-dropping moments. The Stanley Cup Final now moves to Florida with both teams having landed haymakers.
If Game 2 was any indication, we’re in for a seven-game classic.
