GAME NIGHT: Leon Draisaitl Is OT HERO In Oilers THRILLING Game 1 Win Over Panthers!

In a thrilling start to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3 in overtime in Game 1 on Wednesday night at Rogers Place.

The Oilers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead with a goal from Leon Draisaitl just over a minute into the game. However, the Panthers quickly responded with two goals from Sam Bennett (one of which was controversially upheld after an Oilers' goaltender interference challenge) and another from Brad Marchand, giving them a 2-1 lead after the first period.

Florida extended their lead to 3-1 early in the second period with Bennett's second goal of the game. But the Oilers, showing the resilience that has characterized their playoff run, began to chip away. Viktor Arvidsson brought them within one, making it 3-2.

The third period saw Edmonton dominate, outshooting the Panthers significantly. Mattias Ekholm tied the game 3-3 off a beautiful pass from Connor McDavid, sending the game to overtime.

In the extra frame, Leon Draisaitl became the hero, scoring his second goal of the night on a power play with just 31 seconds left in overtime. Tomas Nosek was in the box for delay of game for the Panthers. Stuart Skinner made 29 saves for the Oilers, while Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves for Florida in a losing effort. The Oilers' comeback from a multi-goal deficit to win marked a strong start to their redemption series against the Panthers.

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