Oilers vs Panthers: Game 1 OT Recap | Stanley Cup Final 2024
Leon Draisaitl‘s overtime heroics snatched Game 1 for the Oilers, as they overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Florida Panthers, securing a 4-3 victory. draisaitl not only clinched the win with a dramatic one-timer but also tied an NHL record for the most overtime goals in a single postseason. Connor McDavid’s crucial assist set up the game-winning play, showcasing the Oilers’ resilience on home ice. Sam Bennett’s two goals for Florida weren’t enough to counter Edmonton’s powerful comeback. News Directory 3 brings you the key takeaways from a thrilling start to the Stanley Cup Final. What adjustments will the Panthers make? Discover what’s next as the Oilers and Panthers prepare for Game 2 in Edmonton.
Oilers Edge Panthers in Overtime, Grab Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
Updated June 05, 2025
edmonton – Leon Draisaitl’s dramatic one-timer in overtime propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday. Connor McDavid fed Draisaitl for the game-winning goal with just 31 seconds left in the first overtime period.
The Oilers demonstrated resilience, overcoming a 3-1 deficit to secure the win on their home ice at Rogers Place. Draisaitl’s heroics, part of the Oilers Stanley Cup run, highlighted a game where Edmonton outshot Florida 46-32.
Draisaitl’s two goals tied an NHL record for the most overtime goals in a single postseason (three). Kasperi Kapanen and mcdavid each contributed two assists. Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm also scored for Edmonton.
For the Panthers, Sam Bennett scored twice, and Brad Marchand added another goal. Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves in the losing effort.
“Every game writes its own story,” Draisaitl said. “I thought we hung in there and were mature. Obviously, we just needed one look and we capitalized on that.”
Draisaitl opened the scoring early, just 66 seconds into the game, with a snapshot past Bobrovsky. Bennett tied the game for Florida, redirecting a shot with his skate. Marchand then gave the Panthers the lead on a power play, followed by bennett’s second goal on a breakaway, assisted by Nate Schmidt.
Arvidsson narrowed the gap for Edmonton, and Ekholm tied the game in the third period, capitalizing on a pass from McDavid. The Oilers then continued to pressure Bobrovsky until Draisaitl’s game-winner.
“I think we had our push,” Draisaitl said. “They had their little push in overtime. At the end of the third, our legs started to come a little bit, but I thought it was a fairly even game.”
Bennett’s two goals set a Panthers franchise record for goals (12) in a single postseason.
What’s next
The Oilers (1-0) will host the panthers (0-1) in Game 2 of the series Friday in edmonton.