To properly evaluate this Stanley Cup Final, it`s important to set some expectations. Unless one team establishes a significant, insurmountable advantage, the outcome of any game could realistically be decided in the final ten minutes of regulation or by the game-winning goal in overtime (or even double overtime).
With that understanding, let`s review how the Edmonton Oilers secured a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 1 against the Florida Panthers and explore what this result signifies for both teams moving forward into Game 2.
Edmonton Oilers
Grade: B
The Oilers` performance in the third period was pivotal, not just because it led to overtime, but because it represented arguably their most consistent effort of Game 1. Despite trailing after the first period where they had shot advantage, and struggling with possession and shots in the second, they found their stride late.
Mattias Ekholm`s goal early in the third became the 20th different scorer for the Oilers this postseason. They dominated the third, outshooting the Panthers 14-2 with a 58.3% shot share, finally gaining the control they lacked earlier. Although they began overtime on the defensive, their sustained pressure over the final 15 minutes of regulation paid off when Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winner on the power play with 1:06 left in overtime.
Florida Panthers
Grade: B-
The Panthers navigated numerous close calls, surviving mini-breakaways, point-blank shots from the faceoff circle, instances where the Oilers treated 5-on-5 play like a power play, and another close chance where Sergei Bobrovsky made a crucial stop.
Despite their resilience, they couldn`t overcome the Oilers` late power play in overtime, which resulted in the decisive goal and their Game 1 loss. Every game carries potential turning points, especially after a defeat. The Panthers had a few. Will they reflect on their dominant second period where they had a 65.2% shot share and generated 17 shots but only scored once, largely due to Stuart Skinner`s solid goaltending?
Or will the focus be on the third period, where they managed only two shots? Alternatively, the key takeaway might be their failure to capitalize on their strong start to overtime. Despite splitting shot share and having more high-danger chances in overtime, they couldn`t maintain a consistent scoring threat.
Arda Öcal`s Three Stars of Game 1
1. Leon Draisaitl
C, Oilers
After not scoring in the 2024 Cup Final entering this series, Draisaitl opened the scoring 66 seconds into Game 1 and then netted the overtime game-winner. A remarkable start to the championship series for him. He has now scored or assisted on five of the Oilers` six overtime goals in the last two postseasons.
2. Mattias Ekholm
D, Oilers
The experienced defenseman scored his first goal of this postseason in just his second game back from injury. He became the 20th different Oiler to score in these playoffs, tying for the second most unique goal scorers in a single NHL postseason in history (the 1987 Flyers and 2019 Blues each had 21).
3. Sam Bennett
C, Panthers
Bennett delivered a two-goal performance despite his team`s loss. He now has 12 goals this postseason, setting a new franchise record for most goals in a single playoff run. Eleven of those goals have come on the road, tying Mark Scheifele (2018) for the most road goals in a single postseason in NHL history.
Players to Watch in Game 2
Kasperi Kapanen
RW, Oilers
It`s worth remembering that Kapanen was on waivers back in November. The Oilers` decision to claim him was initially seen as a minor depth move, but it has developed into much more. His game-winning goal in overtime in the Western Conference finals clincher earned him increased ice time. He nearly repeated the feat in Game 1 overtime and did record an assist on the winning goal.
He has been a key contributor in compensating for the loss of Zach Hyman, who suffered an injury in the Western Conference finals keeping him out for the remainder of the playoffs. Kapanen contributed three assists in Game 1 and his five hits helped the Oilers maintain the physical edge that is part of their identity and brought them to a consecutive Cup Final.
Sam Bennett
C, Panthers
There are two main perspectives on Sam Bennett`s Game 1 performance. First, his two-point effort further solidified his strong candidacy for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He was already leading the league with 10 postseason goals before the game; adding two more brings his total points to 18, tied for fourth place with Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Second, his consistent high-level play, helping the Panthers reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and positioning them for another potential championship, is undoubtedly boosting his value ahead of free agency. With players like Brock Nelson recently re-signing for significant amounts ($7.5 million annually for three years), Bennett`s performance is increasing what he can likely command on the open market come July 1.
Big Questions for Game 2
Did the third period and overtime reveal a successful defensive blueprint for the Oilers against the Panthers?
The Oilers` path to the Stanley Cup Final was significantly paved by their effective defensive structure, which created difficulties for high-scoring teams like the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights in previous rounds. While they faced challenges in the first period of Game 1 (with goaltender Stuart Skinner partly screened on the first two goals) and experienced a breakdown in the second, they significantly tightened up afterward.
Over the final period of regulation and the initial minutes of overtime, the Oilers allowed a combined total of only eight shots. Their defense was particularly effective outside the first five minutes of overtime. The Panthers have historically found ways to break through tight defensive systems, as seen against the Carolina Hurricanes. Will they adapt and find similar success in Game 2, or have the Oilers potentially discovered a defensive strategy that could be even more effective against them?
What is the primary takeaway for the Panthers: Their dominant start or their difficult finish?
This presents a complex question, particularly relevant for a team that has just lost. In the second period, the Panthers played with an aggressiveness rarely seen against the Oilers this postseason. This led to five high-danger scoring chances and a clear sense of control over the game flow.
However, managing only one goal from that period`s dominance, especially in a game decided by one goal, raises questions about their finishing ability. On the other hand, the fact that they seemed to be in “survival mode” at times during overtime, despite generating high-danger chances and splitting shot share, but failing to pose a consistent threat, also provides significant material for reflection.
Will the Panthers dissect their inability to convert scoring opportunities in the second period, or will they analyze why they struggled to maintain pressure late in overtime? It`s possible they won`t question their process significantly, given their impressive record of winning their last 31 playoff games when holding a lead after the second period.
Gareth Tenby 
Duncan Priestley