Edmonton Oilers Lead Florida Panthers 1-0 Stanley Cup Final After Overtime Win

The Florida Panthers lost Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final to the Edmonton Oilers in a 4-3 overtime thriller, despite holding a 3-1 lead early in the second period. Key Panthers players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky underperformed relative to expectations, with Tkachuk hampered by injury and Reinhart failing to produce offensively, while Bobrovsky faced heavy pressure in the third period and overtime but made 40 saves. The Oilers, led by Leon Draisaitl who scored twice including the overtime winner, and supported by Connor McDavid and goalie Stuart Skinner, mounted a strong comeback, outshooting the Panthers significantly in the final period. Florida's usual control game faltered as they iced the puck frequently in the critical moments, a rare deviation noted by NHL legend Wayne Gretzky. The Panthers remain confident about the series, emphasizing mental toughness and experience from past playoff adversity as they prepare to regroup for Game 2 in Edmonton. Both teams anticipate a competitive series, with Florida needing improved performances from their star players to even the series.