Panthers & Oilers Battle to Dramatic Overtime Tie: Stanley Cup Showdown Continues!

Sunrise, Florida, USA - The Florida Panthers faced off against the Edmonton Oilers on June 7, 2025, for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and what a game it was! In a thrilling matchup, Florida edged out Edmonton 5-4 after two overtime periods, leveling the series at 1-1. Both teams had their moments, but it was Brad Marchand’s decisive goal in the 89th minute that sealed the deal for Florida, who now move on to their home turf for Game 3.

After an explosive start, Sam Bennett wasted no time, scoring just three minutes into the game and setting a new NHL record for the most away playoff goals. But the Oilers weren’t about to back down. Evander Kane quickly equalized, and Connor McDavid’s slick assist helped Evan Bouchard give Edmonton a temporary lead. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Panthers fighting back each time. Leon Draisaitl shone for the Oilers, scoring one goal and assisting another, but it was not enough to claim victory.

A Familiar Rivalry

The matchup is particularly exciting as it marks a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final, where Florida triumphed over Edmonton in a nail-biting Game 7. The Panthers have now reached the Stanley Cup Final for three consecutive seasons, bringing a sense of familiarity to both sides as they take their rivalry to new heights. This rematch is a rare occurrence in the NHL, reminiscent of the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins‘ clashes in 2008 and 2009.

As reported by NHL.com, both teams have proven themselves formidable this playoff season: Florida entered the Finals after defeating the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs, while Edmonton made their path to the Finals by besting the Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, and Vegas Golden Knights. With a regular season record of 47-31-4, the Panthers secured a No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Division, while the Oilers finished slightly better at 48-29-5, also claiming a No. 3 seed but in the Pacific Division.

Top Players Stepping Up

Key players like Aleksander Barkov have been critical for Florida, leading the team with 17 points in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Connor McDavid is shining brightly for the Oilers, racking up an impressive 26 points so far. This highlights the intensely competitive nature of the series, bringing together some of the finest talents in the league today, as noted by Sports Illustrated. Coaches Paul Maurice (Panthers) and Kris Knoblauch (Oilers) kept their lineups unchanged for Game 2, enhancing the suspense for fans eager to see who would break the tie in the series.

With Game 3 set to take place in Sunrise, Florida, excitement is building among the fans. The Panthers aim to capitalize on their home advantage and increase their chances of claiming a coveted second Cup title. The stage is set for a thrilling series as both teams have shown they can play with passion and skill, making every game a must-watch.

As this historic rematch unfolds, one thing is certain: the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals are shaping up to be one for the ages.

Eishockey.net reports that Florida’s win not only demonstrates their resilience but propels their championship aspirations further into the spotlight. Meanwhile, with another high-stakes game on the horizon, the anticipation surrounding the match between two fierce competitors continues to rise.

In this tightly contested battle, may the best team win! Stay tuned for more updates as the series progresses.

For an in-depth look at the backgrounds of the teams, check out the coverage on NHL.com and Sports Illustrated.