Leon Draisaitl didn’t just score a goal. He delivered a gut-punch to the defending champions and a message to the hockey world: this isn’t last year’s Oilers.
In a Game 1 thriller that had everything, controversy, comebacks, and chaos, Draisaitl’s power-play snipe with just 31 seconds left in overtime lifted the Edmonton Oilers to a dramatic 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers to open the Stanley Cup Final. The win capped a fiery rally from a 3-1 second-period deficit and instantly flipped the narrative in this high-octane rematch from last year’s seven-game war.
A Statement Strike from Edmonton
For a moment, it looked like history would repeat. Florida held a 3-1 lead early in the second period and had never lost under coach Paul Maurice when leading after one or two periods. They had a spotless 31-0 record over three postseasons.
That streak is now gone.
After Viktor Arvidsson narrowed the gap and Mattias Ekholm tied it with a wicked finish off a magical Connor McDavid assist, it was Draisaitl who sealed the deal with one of the biggest goals of his career. The final play was a thing of beauty. Evan Bouchard sent it to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who dished to Corey Perry. From there, it went to McDavid, who fired a laser across the slot to Draisaitl waiting in his office at the right hash marks. One shot. Game over. Rogers Place erupted.
“I’m just the last guy in a chain of great plays,” Draisaitl said postgame. “I got the glory, but those guys made it happen.”
Skinner Shuts the Door, Bobrovsky Stands Tall
While Draisaitl played the hero, Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner delivered a gritty, under-the-radar performance. After a shaky start that saw him give up three goals on eight shots, Skinner locked in, stopping the next 24 and giving Edmonton the breathing room they needed to mount their charge.
“None of that happens without Stu,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. “He gave us life when we needed it most.”
At the other end, Sergei Bobrovsky was stellar for Florida. He turned away 42 of 46 shots and faced a relentless barrage late in regulation and overtime. He kept the Panthers alive with jaw-dropping stops on McDavid and Trent Frederic, but ultimately couldn’t stop Draisaitl’s game-winner.
Controversy Brews, but Oilers Keep Cool
The game wasn’t without its drama. Edmonton’s failed challenge on Sam Bennett’s first-period goal over potential goalie interference led to a power play for Florida and a go-ahead goal from Brad Marchand. The replay ruled Edmonton’s Brett Kulak had pushed Bennett into Skinner, nullifying interference.
“I’d still challenge that every single time,” Knoblauch insisted. “We believed it was interference, and you’ve got to back your goalie.”
Bennett added another goal in the second period, but the Oilers, undeterred, kept pressing and were rewarded for their persistence.
A Classic Final in the Making?
With Game 1 delivering everything a hockey fan could want, expectations for the rest of this series have skyrocketed. Both teams showed why they’re here. Florida brought physicality and poise. Edmonton countered with relentless pace and elite talent.
“This has the makings of an all-timer,” said Panthers coach Paul Maurice. “No fluff, no junk. Just pure, hard hockey.”
For the Oilers, the win means more than just a 1-0 series lead. It’s proof they’ve matured, grown from last year’s heartbreak, and can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best when it matters most.
“We didn’t panic,” said McDavid. “We’ve been here before. Now it’s about building off this and staying sharp.”
Game 2 drops Friday night in Edmonton. If Game 1 was any indication, buckle up.
Key Stats:
- Draisaitl: 2 goals, 3rd OT goal this postseason, ties NHL record.
- McDavid: 2 assists, including setups on tying and winning goals.
- Skinner: 29 saves, shut the door after rocky start.
- Bobrovsky: 42 saves on 46 shots.
- **Florida’s perfect record when leading after two periods (31-0) snapped.
Up Next:
Game 2: Friday, June 7, Rogers Place, Edmonton
If you thought Game 1 was intense, just wait.
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