The Edmonton Oilers kicked off their quest for the Stanley Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 1. The intense matchup showcased two evenly-matched teams, each determined to outdo the other.
Connor McDavid’s power-play goal with 31 seconds left in overtime sealed the deal for the Oilers. However, it was a bad luck penalty taken by Tomas Nosek that changed the course of the game.
The Panthers’ potent forecheck kept the Oilers pinned in their zone at times, but Edmonton also found success in Florida’s end. The teams traded blows throughout, with neither able to gain a clear advantage.
Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm tied the game 3-3 in the third period and praised his team’s poise under pressure. “It’s two great teams,” he said. “The little details that matter most will decide this series.”
The Panthers’ ability to close out games was on full display, but they still struggled against the Oilers’ defensive improvement over the past year. Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner credited the team’s experience from last year’s Stanley Cup Final for their poise in the face of adversity.
“This year, seeing it [the Cup], is ‘I was here last year, I saw it already,'” Skinner said. “It definitely felt completely different just from the emotional-wise.”
Both teams will need to find a balance between effort and strategy if they hope to outlast each other. The Oilers’ experience in high-pressure situations will likely be a deciding factor in the series.
The Panthers’ ability to close out games remains intact, but their lack of clear advantage may prove to be their downfall against a determined Oilers team.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6404665/2025/06/05/stanley-cup-final-game-1-nhl-playoffs-oilers-panthers