Panthers Even Stanley Cup Final with Dramatic Overtime Win

Sunrise, Florida — The Florida Panthers secured a thrilling 2-1 double-overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 6, 2025, leveling the series at 1-1.

After losing the first game in overtime, the Panthers appeared poised to win in regulation, demonstrating resilience under pressure. Brad Marchand scored the game-tying goal, setting a record for the latest equalizer in Stanley Cup Final history. He netted the game-winner 8:04 into the second overtime, marking his third goal of the series.

Monday’s Game 3 will take place in Florida, where the Panthers aim to regain momentum at home. Coach Paul Maurice made adjustments to the lineup ahead of Game 2, switching Carter Verhaeghe and Evan Rodrigues between the top two lines, while A.J. Greer is expected to return for Game 3.

The Oilers entered the series with a strong historical advantage, having won 76% of the time after taking Game 1. They also hold a remarkable 91% success rate after leading 2-0 in a best-of-seven final. However, the Panthers are not deterred and have shown their ability to come back from earlier losses.

Matthew Tkachuk, a key player for Florida, acknowledged the challenge of playing on the road but emphasized the adrenaline of competing against a hostile crowd. “It’s just us against everybody,” he said before the game.

Both teams have demonstrated offensive depth throughout the playoffs, with 20 unique goal scorers for the Oilers, tying their franchise record, and 19 for the Panthers, setting a new franchise benchmark. Despite their star players, Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, not scoring in the series so far, other players have stepped up significantly.

Defenseman Jake Walman, who joined the Oilers in a recent trade, noted the importance of consistent performance. “Every game is going to be a challenge,” he stated. “We need to prepare to play the best we can.”

The series has seen high levels of competition, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance and key injuries affecting gameplay. The Panthers’ focus on depth has allowed them to persevere even when their top players are subdued.

As tensions rise, players continue to emphasize the importance of team over individual success. Tkachuk stated, “When we’re playing at our best, we’re pretty hard to beat,” highlighting the Panthers’ ambition to secure their legacy.