EDMONTON, Alberta – The Florida Panthers had quite a night in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. After allowing a last-minute tying goal, they rallied during intermission to share predictions about who might score the winner. Ultimately, it was Brad Marchand who struck in double overtime, giving the Panthers a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.
“It was a fortuitous bounce,” Marchand admitted after the game. His winning goal came just over eight minutes into the second overtime, following an intense back-and-forth match. Corey Perry had tied the game with just under 18 seconds left in regulation, adding to the drama. This matchup is particularly noteworthy; both games so far have gone into overtime, a rarity not seen since 2014.
Defenseman Seth Jones shared his thoughts on the game. “We came here for a split and got it,” he said, emphasizing their focus on recovery before the next game. Meanwhile, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall in the net, making 42 saves, including 14 in the overtime periods. “He gives us a chance every night,” noted winger Evan Rodrigues, highlighting the importance of key saves in tight moments.
The Panthers showed solid offensive teamwork. Marchand earned his 10th career goal in the finals, leading all active players. Sam Bennett continues to shine, scoring his playoff-leading 13th goal, while Dmitry Kulikov added another crucial score. The Panthers dominated the second period with a 34-13 shot attempt advantage, showcasing their strong play.
Game 3 is set for Monday night in Florida, and both teams recognize the stakes. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch expressed disappointment over not securing a win at home, especially after their initial victory.
As we look at both teams, there’s no denying the impact of stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They made their presence felt on the ice, contributing to key plays, including a goal from Evan Bouchard. The game also featured a slew of penalties—14 in total—which added to the tension and excitement on the ice.
Historically, the Stanley Cup Finals have included intense moments like these, but this matchup is unique with its immediate back-and-forth scoring. As fans gear up for Game 3, both teams are determined to claim the championship.
For more insights on the Stanley Cup and its history, visit the NHL’s official site.