Thrilling Chaos in Panthers vs. Oilers Game 3: Florida Seizes Series Lead in the Stanley Cup Final

In Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers dominated the Edmonton Oilers with a score of 6-1. As the game ended, tensions flared with players exchanging blows on the ice.

Corey Perry took a swing at Niko Mikkola right as the final buzzer sounded. He soon found himself in a brief scuffle with Tomas Nosek, adding to the chaos as referees tried to restore order.

Meanwhile, fans at the Amerant Bank Arena celebrated by tossing plastic rats onto the ice, a quirky tradition dating back to the Panthers’ Stanley Cup run in 1996. It’s a sight that adds to the electric atmosphere during big games.

Throughout the match, the two teams racked up a staggering 138 penalty minutes, making it a physically intense affair. The third period saw the action escalate further when a line brawl broke out after Oilers forward Trent Frederic clashed with Sam Bennett. This brawl led to multiple players, including Bennett and Darnell Nurse, getting tossed from the game.

The Panthers took control early in the match, scoring just 56 seconds into the first period. They continued their offensive onslaught, with goals from Brad Marchand, Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Evan Rodrigues. Perry managed to score the Oilers’ only goal in the second period.

Notably, Marchand made history by becoming the oldest player to score in each of the first three games of a Cup Final. Bennett’s goal marked his playoff-leading 14th, reinforcing his key role in the series.

In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky showcased his skills, stopping 32 shots and playing a crucial role in the Panthers’ victory. With this win, Florida now leads the series 2-1, setting the stage for an exciting Game 4 scheduled for Thursday in Sunrise.

The intensity and physicality of this game reflect the fierce competition, showing just how high the stakes are in the Stanley Cup Final. It’s a reminder of the passion and history surrounding this iconic tournament.

For more insights on player statistics and game highlights, you can check out [NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com) for further details.

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