Draisaitl scores in OT, Oilers beat the Panthers in overtime in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final
EDMONTON, Alberta — Leon Draisaitl scored on the power play in overtime, Stuart Skinner made 29 saves and the Edmonton Oilers erased a multigoal deficit to beat the defending champion Florida Panthers 4-3 in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final rematch on Wednesday night.
After Tomas Nosek's penalty for putting the puck over the glass, Draisaitl's goal 19:29 into OT sent the home fans into a frenzy and made sure the Oilers would not start this series like they did a year ago, when they fell behind three games to none.
For a while, it looked like they would at least start out trailing. Draisaitl's goal 66 seconds in was followed later in the first period by Sam Bennett deflecting a shot in past Stuart Skinner after falling into him.
Edmonton's Kris Knoblauch unsuccessfully challenged for goaltender interference, with the NHL's situation room ruling that his own player, Jake Walman, tripped Bennett into Skinner. The resulting penalty paved the way for Florida's Brad Marchand to score the go-ahead goal on the power play.
Bennett scoring his second of the night early in the second period put the Panthers up 3-1. They entered 31-0 over the past three playoffs since coach Paul Maurice took over when leading at the first or second intermission.
With Connor McDavid leading the way, the Oilers rallied. Fourth-liner Viktor Arvidsson brought the crowd back to life early in the second, and fellow Swede Mattias Ekholm - playing just his second game back from an extended injury absence - tied it with 13:27 remaining in regulation off a perfect pass from McDavid.
At the other end, Skinner made a handful of saves that were vital to keeping the Panthers from extending their lead or tying it late in the third. Florida counterpart Sergei Bobrovsky did the same, in between derisive chants of 'Sergei! Sergei!' that followed goals he allowed.
Skinner was greeted with friendlier chants of 'Stuuuu' after saves, including one in the first minute of overtime on a quality scoring chance. Bobrovsky stone-cold robbed Trent Frederic nine minutes in but eventually cracked.
Game 2 is Friday night in Edmonton before the series shifts to Sunrise, Florida for Games 3 and 4.
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New York Post
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Bet365 bonus code NYPBet: Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers takes place on Friday evening at 8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place. The Oilers won Game 1 in overtime, 4-3, and are now decided favorites to lift the Cup. No matter who you're backing, the folks at bet365 have a bonus code for the Stanley Cup Final: You can get $150 in bonus bets, whether you win or lose. Bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Bet on Panthers vs. Oilers Game 2 on Friday Use the bet365 promo code NYPBET to snag a bonus on Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Panthers and Oilers. If you're looking for a bigger boost, you can also consider a first bet reset, which gives your first bet a chance at redemption if it loses. If you bet on the Stanley Cup Final, up to $1,500, you will get your bet amount back in bonus bets if they don't win. You can also use these promotions on the NBA Finals. How to sign up for bet365 Sportsbook What our Post expert thinks about Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final The Panthers and Oilers delivered an exciting opener in Game 1 with plenty of scoring, big hits, and a thrilling finish. Don't be surprised if Game 2 has a different feel, with the two teams slowing things down as they get adjusted to the matchup. New players only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, TN, VA only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Registration required. New customers only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, NJ, IA, IL, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, PA, TN, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Registration required. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. You must claim the offer via the bet365 app, within 30 days of registering your account. Once released, your Bonus Bets will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
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Panthers look to even the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers in Game 2
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What is the Oilers' goal song in 2025? Here's the answer.
What is the Oilers' goal song in 2025? Here's the answer. The Edmonton Oilers are in the hunt for a possible first Stanley Cup in decades, and with names like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, they score a lot of goals that fans in Alberta can celebrate. If you're not one of those fans and you're watching the Oilers play in 2025, you might be wondering: what's the goal song they play at Rogers Place whenever the team lights the lamp at home? We have answers for you! That song would be Fluxland by XL, one of those fist-pumping house music-esque songs with a very singable lines that fans can shout as they're celebrating the red light going off and their team potting a puck in the net: The song ranked 13th on our list of the best NHL goal songs, given how catchy it is. Now, I'd argue it's not as catchy as La Bamba -- which was played after wins for a while -- or Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club, which has become the Oilers' new postgame anthem this season. But Fluxland is a solid choice for a goal song, and if you're like me, you'll have that tune stuck in your head for a while after the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.
