Oilers Edge Panthers in Thrilling Stanley Cup Game 1 Overtime Showdown!

Florida, USA - As the Stanley Cup Finals unfold, excitement fills the air in both Edmonton and Florida. The 2025 matchup pits the Edmonton Oilers against the Florida Panthers, a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s finals. Fresh from their respective triumphs in the semifinals, both teams are eager to etch their names in hockey history.

In the first game, played on June 5, 2025, the Oilers edged out the Panthers in a thrilling overtime finish, taking the victory 4-3. Leon Draisaitl, the key player for the Oilers, scored the decisive goal late in the extra period, which has become somewhat of a trademark for the talented forward. With the series now underway, the Oilers lead 1-0 and are poised to battle on home ice for the first two games of the finals.

Game Schedule and Broadcast

The remaining game schedule looks promising for both fans and players alike:

• Game 2: June 7, 2025, 2:00 AM
• Game 3: June 10, 2025, 2:00 AM
• Game 4: June 13, 2025, 2:00 AM
• Game 5: June 15, 2025, 2:00 AM
• Game 6: June 18, 2025, 2:00 AM
• Game 7: June 21, 2025, 2:00 AM (if necessary)

Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sport Mix, Sky Go, and WOW. However, NHL.tv subscribers might face a hiccup, as they are unable to watch the final seven games live due to TV blackouts. This final showdown is drawing in sports betting action as well, with the Oilers currently favored at 1.73 to win the Cup, while the Panthers are standing at 2.10 as of June 3, 2025.

Overtime Drama

The playoffs have brought with them a slew of intense overtime moments, thanks in part to a new overtime format that eliminates three-on-three play and shootouts after five minutes of scoreless action. If teams remain tied, they enter a sudden-death period that lasts 20 minutes for as long as it takes to score a goal, where teams swap sides after each period. This year alone, the playoffs have already seen 18 games go into overtime, including the nail-biting first game of the finals, reported USA Today.

One of the most memorable moments from this postseason came when the Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals after nearly four overtime periods, marking the sixth-longest playoff game in NHL history. Matthew Tkachuk scored with only 12.7 seconds left to seal the deal. Such performances only add to the allure of the Stanley Cup Finals, where every second on the clock is fraught with tension.

Historical Context

Curiously, the extended bouts of overtime are becoming a hallmark of the 2025 playoffs. With three double-overtime games already recorded, fans are treated to heart-stopping gameplay reminiscent of some of the longest contests in NHL history. ESPN outlines that the longest playoff games included matches with multiple overtime periods, with the record reaching six overtimes—something that even the most hardened hockey fans can hardly imagine.

As the series continues, all eyes will be on Draisaitl, who has quickly established himself as a leader on the ice. Throughout the 2025 playoffs, he has already netted several crucial goals. Along with him, Corey Perry of the Oilers and Carter Verhaeghe of the Panthers each lead the playoff scene with five overtime goals, showcasing their penchant for delivering when it matters most.

Onward to Game 2 – will the Oilers extend their lead, or will the Panthers strike back? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals promise to deliver all the drama and excitement that this beloved sport can muster.

For more updates, check out Wettbasis, USA Today, and ESPN.