The Florida Panthers are just two wins away from cementing themselves as a modern-day dynasty. In a dominant Game 3 performance Monday night, the Panthers stormed into Rogers Place and dismantled the Edmonton Oilers 6-1, seizing a 2-1 lead in the Stanley Cup Final. After two tightly contested games that required overtime and double overtime, the series took a stark turn as Florida capitalized on Edmonton’s unraveling in front of a restless home crowd.
Taking full advantage of the Oilers’ sloppiest showing in weeks, the defending champions turned mistakes into opportunities and showcased their veteran depth, special teams, and goaltending in a comprehensive thrashing.
Brad Marchand, at 37, continues to etch his name deeper into playoff lore, becoming the oldest player in NHL history to score in each of the first three games of a Stanley Cup Final. His relentless forechecking and savvy finishing have become a nightmare for Edmonton’s blue line.
Meanwhile, Sam Bennett continues his postseason tear, scoring his NHL playoff-leading 14th goal on a breakaway created moments after leveling Vasily Podkolzin with a thunderous hit that forced a key turnover. Bennett and Marchand have now combined for eight goals in the series, an explosive duo proving nearly unstoppable.
Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart each notched their first goals of the series, while defenseman Aaron Ekblad scored to chase Oilers starter Stuart Skinner in the second period. Evan Rodrigues put the finishing touch on the rout with a late third-period goal as tensions boiled over.
In net, Sergei Bobrovsky was once again a pillar of composure. The two-time Vezina Trophy winner turned away 32 shots, including several quality looks from Edmonton’s top line, earning chants of “Bobby! Bobby!” from the traveling Panthers faithful.
His lone blemish came on the power play when Oilers veteran Corey Perry, 40, used his slick hands to score Edmonton’s only goal. Still, Bobrovsky outshone his counterpart, and his calm presence was critical as the Oilers lost control.
The night spiraled out of control for Edmonton, whose frustration boiled over late in the third period. The Oilers were whistled for 15 penalties, totaling 85 minutes — including three by Evander Kane and a misconduct — while a late-game brawl saw Darnell Nurse and Trent Frederic both ejected. Jake Walman added to the chaos with a bizarre moment, squirting water across the benches in frustration.
Superstar Connor McDavid was largely neutralized, with Florida’s defensive schemes closing time and space on every shift. Edmonton’s power play never found rhythm, and their usually dynamic offense appeared disjointed and undisciplined.
With the Oilers reeling and in search of answers, the Panthers have momentum and a golden opportunity. Game 4 looms Thursday night in Edmonton, where Florida can take a commanding 3-1 series lead and move to the brink of becoming the NHL’s first back-to-back Stanley Cup champion since the 2016–17 Pittsburgh Penguins.
If Game 3 was any indication, the Panthers’ blend of grit, poise, and playoff savvy may be simply too much for the Oilers to handle.
Stanley Cup Final Schedule (Series: FLA leads 2-1)
- Game 1: Florida 4, Edmonton 3 (OT)
- Game 2: Florida 2, Edmonton 3 (2OT)
- Game 3: Florida 6, Edmonton 1
- Game 4: Thursday, June 12 – at Florida
- Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, June 14 – at Edmonton
- Game 6 (if necessary): Monday, June 16 – at Florida
- Game 7 (if necessary): Wednesday, June 18 – at Edmonton
The Panthers are halfway to repeating — and judging by Monday’s performance, they’re not looking back.
