The Stanley Cup Final is living up to its billing as the Florida Panthers clawed back to even the series with a heart-pounding 5-4 double-overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. Brad Marchand, the playoff-tested veteran and heart of Florida’s attack, delivered the game-winner 8:04 into the second overtime period, sending the series back to Sunrise tied 1-1.
Marchand’s second goal of the night, and 10th career goal in a Stanley Cup Final — the most among active NHL players — capped a dramatic contest that saw late heroics, wild momentum swings, and overtime once again. It marks the first time since 2014 and only the sixth time in NHL history that the first two games of the Final have gone beyond regulation.
Florida seemed poised to win it in regulation, leading 4-3 with the clock ticking down. But Corey Perry, inserted into the lineup for his experience and grit, found the equalizer with just 17.8 seconds left in the third period, stuffing home a rebound with Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner pulled for an extra attacker.
Despite the late-game dagger, Florida’s composure never wavered. Sergei Bobrovsky turned in a signature performance, stopping 42 of 46 shots, including 14 in overtime. The reigning Conn Smythe winner was again masterful when it mattered, making several jaw-dropping stops to keep his team alive and give them a chance to steal the win.
Marchand’s winner came after a sequence of sustained pressure by the Panthers, who had started to tilt the ice again in the second overtime. After Edmonton failed to clear the zone, Marchand corralled a loose puck and rifled it past Skinner to silence the Rogers Place crowd and steal back home-ice advantage.
While Marchand grabbed the spotlight, Florida’s offensive depth was on full display. Sam Bennett continued his torrid postseason with his league-leading 13th playoff goal — a record 12 of them coming on the road. Bennett’s ability to score in hostile environments has made him indispensable in Florida’s bid for back-to-back Cups.
Defensemen also chipped in big. Jones buried a gorgeous tic-tac-toe passing sequence into an open net, and Dmitry Kulikov beat Skinner through traffic to tie the game 2-2 in the second period. That goal came during a dominant stretch where the Panthers controlled possession and out-attempted Edmonton 34-13 in the period.
Despite the loss, Edmonton’s stars made sure to leave their mark. Connor McDavid was electric, slicing through defenders to set up Leon Draisaitl’s power-play goal. Later, both combined on Evan Bouchard’s tally, which gave the Oilers a brief 3-2 lead.
But Florida responded every time, proving once again they can take a punch and come back stronger — a hallmark of their 2023 Cup run and this year’s playoffs.
The game was marred by frequent whistles, with 14 total penalties called, including three within the first four minutes. Both teams voiced frustration with the officiating, though over the course of the game, the imbalance largely evened out. The special teams battle continues to be a key storyline, and discipline will be critical as the series progresses.
With the series knotted at 1-1, Game 3 shifts to Florida on Monday night. The Panthers, now holding home-ice advantage, have a golden opportunity to take control of the series. But they know full well the threat posed by McDavid, Draisaitl, and an Edmonton team hungry for their first championship since 1990.
If the first two games are any indication, this Stanley Cup Final is destined to be an instant classic.
