NHL Playoffs 2025: Oilers Edge Panthers in Stanley Cup Final Game 1 OT

The dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl struck again, powering the Edmonton Oilers to a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Draisaitl wasted no time making his mark. Just 66 seconds into the game, he pounced on a rebound to score the fastest opening goal in a Stanley Cup Final since 1976.

But the Panthers weren’t going down easy.

They roared back with three straight goals, including two from playoff standout Sam Bennett, to take a 3-2 lead into the third period. Usually, when Florida gets ahead like that, it’s game over.

Not this time.

The Oilers needed something special, and they got it from their captain. McDavid, working his magic from behind the net (what hockey fans call “Gretzky’s office”), found Mattias Ekholm charging in. Ekholm’s blast tied it up at 3-3.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

In overtime, Florida’s Tomas Nosek made a costly mistake, sending the puck over the glass for a penalty. That’s when McDavid and Draisaitl showed why they’re the most dangerous power play duo in hockey, connecting on a perfect one-timer to end it.

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner had a shaky start but found his groove when it mattered most. He stopped 29 of 32 shots, including some huge saves in overtime.

The series continues with Game 2 in Edmonton on Friday night, where the Panthers will try to bounce back and the Oilers will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

[Schedule and previous playoff results follow in standard format]