Draisaitl Decides It Oilers Steal Game 1 in OT Thriller!

Draisaitl's OT Heroics Propel Oilers Past Panthers in Thrilling Game 1

Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place was electric Wednesday night as the Edmonton Oilers clawed their way to a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing resilience, clutch performances, and a few controversial moments that have set the stage for an unforgettable series.

The Oilers, fueled by a raucous home crowd, demonstrated their never-say-die attitude with a stunning comeback. Mattias Ekholm, returning to the lineup after missing time with a lower-body injury, delivered a pivotal goal in the third period to tie the game, igniting a deafening roar from the Edmonton faithful.

However, the night belonged to Leon Draisaitl. The German superstar cemented his place in Oilers' lore by scoring the game-winning power-play goal in overtime. This marks his third overtime goal of the playoffs, tying an NHL record held by legends such as Mel Hill, Maurice Richard, Corey Perry, and Matthew Tkachuk. As Connor McDavid aptly put it, "You can’t put a number on it. He’s invaluable."

Key highlights from the game include:

• Draisaitl's Dominance: Two goals, including the OT winner, showcasing his incredible skill and determination.
• Ekholm's Impactful Return: A crucial game-tying goal and solid defensive play after returning from injury.
• Panthers' Collapse: Their first playoff loss under coach Paul Maurice when leading after the first or second period.
• Comeback Kings: The Oilers completed their third multi-goal comeback win of the postseason, tying a franchise record.

Controversy Strikes:

The game wasn't without its contentious moments. A pivotal goalie interference call against Sam Bennett, which led to a Florida power-play goal, sparked debate and ultimately swung momentum in the Panthers' favor briefly. Coach Knoblauch's unsuccessful challenge proved costly.

Marchand's Milestone:

Brad Marchand continues his strong play this postseason, scoring a power play goal, and now has 15 points in 18 games. At 37, he became the oldest player with at least 15 points in a single playoff year since Martin St. Louis with the Rangers in 2014.

Power Play Prowess:

While the penalty kill struggled, the Oilers' power play delivered when it mattered most. Draisaitl's game-winning goal on the man advantage underscored the importance of special teams in playoff hockey. The Oilers' power-play success rate now stands at an impressive 29.6 percent for the playoffs.

Historical Significance:

• Teams that win Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final boast an all-time series record of 65-20 (.765).
• When starting at home, that record improves to 52-10 (.839).
• The winner of Game 1 has hoisted the Stanley Cup in the past four years.

Looking Ahead:

Game 2 is set for Friday night in Edmonton before the series shifts to Sunrise, Florida. The Oilers have seized the early advantage, but the Panthers are a resilient team capable of bouncing back. Expect another intense and hard-fought battle as both teams vie for hockey's ultimate prize.

The Oilers' Game 1 victory was a testament to their skill, determination, and the unwavering support of their fans. But it's just one game. The road to the Stanley Cup is long and arduous, and both teams will need to bring their best to every contest. One thing is certain: this series promises to be a classic. What a difference a year makes, apparently, and that bodes well for the Oilers’ chances of exacting revenge in this series.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6403805/2025/06/04/oilers-panthers-stanley-cup-final-2025-game-1-takeaways/