Florida Panthers secure victory in Game 2 of Stanley Cup series versus Edmonton Oilers, ending in a double overtime thriller and equalizing their standing at 1-1.
Stanley Cup Final Rematch Heat Up:
Edmonton, Alberta - Here's a wild one! In a thrilling double overtime showdown, Brad Marchand scored the game-winner, and the defending champion Florida Panthers snatched victory from the jaws of the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of their epic rematch, securing a 5-4 win on Friday night, tying the series at 1-1.
Marchand delivered a second goal of the night 8:04 into the second OT, providing the Panthers with a much-needed escape after Corey Perry scored with just 17.8 seconds left in regulation, with Stuart Skinner pulled for an extra attacker. This marks the first time since 2014 that the first two games of a Stanley Cup Final have both gone to overtime, with only six such instances in NHL history[1].
With the resiliency shown by both teams, it's looking like a battle-royale reminiscent of last year’s run as Sergei Bobrovsky once again stepped up when his team needed him the most. The netminder made some spectacular saves, blocking 42 of the 46 shots he faced, while his offensive machinery provided the crucial goal support[1].
Watch endless overtime hockey!
- Catch the Florida Panthers and Oilers in Game 3 of their grueling series, starting at 8 p.m. ET, Monday, in Sunrise, Florida.
- If needing an extra viewing option, tune in to TNT, truTV, or stream the games on Max[2].
- If you believe in dramatic finishes, don't miss the potential Game 7 on June 20th, back in Edmonton[2].
- Historical Note: It's been quite some time since a Canadian team raised the Stanley Cup; the last Canadian champions were the Montreal Canadiens in '93[2].
- Looking for the edge in gambling, with Florida being the underdog? Don’t fear, the Panthers managed to wrest home-ice advantage away from the Oilers by splitting the initial two games[1].
To add to the thrilling ride, Sam Bennett (13 career playoff goals) and NHL record-setting road-scorer scored, while Seth Jones and Dmitry Kulikov notched a goal each. Kulikov scored on a shot through traffic, almost certainly undetected by Stuart Skinner, following a period of unyielding Panthers pressure, skewing the shot attempts heavily in Florida's favor[1].
As of now, Marchand leads all active players in career goal scoring in the Stanley Cup Final[1].
The hockey lovers' dream matchup continues with Game 3, as the two sides swap arenas, pitting the Panthers against the Oilers' offensive attack, which includes a determined Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both intent on securing the Cup for the first time[1].
Entertainment Suggestions:
NFL: Hear Vic Fangio discuss the strengths of the Eagles' pass rush despite recent departures[4].
WNBA: Watch Azura Stevens lead the Sparks to a 93-79 win over the Wings, ending a three-game losing streak[4].
The Oilers' dynamic duo showcased their prowess by assisting on Evan Bouchard's goal and McDavid effortlessly stickhandling past multiple defenders, setting up Draisaitl for a power-play goal[1].
There were many a heated moment, with officials whistling a total of 14 penalties, though most seemed to even out over the course of the game[1].
=======================Sources:
[1] ESPN
[2] USA Today
[3] Sportsnet
[4] NFL.com
[5] WNBA.com
- Fans can expect another intense hockey game as the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, who are emulating last year's thrilling run, will face off in Game 3 of their series on Monday, with a potential Game 7 taking place on June 20th in Edmonton.
- Due to the closely matched teams in this rematch, it is crucial for spectators to watch Game 3, especially since Brad Marchand, who leads all active players in career goal scoring in the Stanley Cup Final, will be up against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers.
