Stanley Cup Final: Florida Panthers Tie Series with Thrilling 5-4 Double OT Win Over Oilers

In a heart-pounding showdown that stretched into double overtime, the Florida Panthers clawed their way back to even the Stanley Cup Final series with a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Brad Marchand emerging as the hero of the night, sealing the win with a breakaway goal that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

The game started with a flurry of action, as both teams traded blows early on. The Panthers struck first through Sam Bennett just two minutes in, but Edmonton responded with ferocity, netting three goals in the opening 13 minutes to take a 3-2 lead. Yet, Florida refused to back down. In the second period, Dmitry Kulikov tied it up, and Marchand himself gave the Cats a 4-3 edge with a stunning short-handed goal.

With the clock ticking down in regulation, Edmonton pulled their goalie in a desperate bid to equalize—and they did. Corey Perry jammed in a loose puck with just 17.8 seconds left, forcing overtime. The tension was palpable through the first OT, with near-misses and brilliant saves on both ends. But in the second overtime, Marchand broke free and slipped the puck past Stuart Skinner, delivering a victory that felt like a punch to the gut for the Oilers.

This win isn’t just a number on the scoreboard; it’s a testament to the Panthers’ grit and resilience, especially after a trade deadline gamble on Marchand paid off in spades. As the series shifts to Florida for Game 3 on Monday night, the Sunshine State is buzzing with anticipation for another chapter in this epic battle for the Cup.