Florida Panthers Lead Stanley Cup Final After Game 5 Victory

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Florida Panthers took a 3-2 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 in Game 5 on June 14, 2025. The Panthers can secure their second consecutive title on home ice in Game 6 on Tuesday.

Highlight-reel goals from Matthew Tkachuk and a league-leading 15th playoff goal by Leon Draisaitl weren’t enough for the Oilers, who faced a formidable defense from Florida.

Corey Perry, a veteran forward for the Panthers, expressed his excitement leading into Game 5. “Pressure is a privilege,” said Perry. “It’s just hockey. It’s fun. We’re down to two teams and Game 5.”

Brad Marchand also praised the quality of the series, calling it “one of the tightest series anyone will ever see.” He emphasized the thrill of the competition and how closely matched the teams have been throughout.

This series has seen unprecedented excitement, with three of the four games resulting in come-from-behind wins, a record amount since 2022. Additionally, there have been three overtime games within the first four contests, tying for the second-most in Stanley Cup Final history.

Florida’s dominating offense has exemplified the high stakes, as the series has recorded a total of 32 goals thus far, marking the fourth-highest-scoring Final through four games, and the most in 44 years. Notably, only three Finals have seen more goals at this stage.

In a thrilling Game 4, the Oilers overcame an early 3-0 deficit and won 5-4 with Draisaitl scoring the overtime winner. Calvin Pickard delivered a remarkable performance in relief after saving a critical shot from Anton Lundell that significantly impacted Edmonton’s comeback.

As the Panthers prepare for Game 6, tensions mount as they hope to avoid squandering their series advantage. The upcoming match on Tuesday promises to deliver more high-stakes action in what has already proven to be an unforgettable Stanley Cup Final.