The Florida Panthers mounted a first-period comeback and held off a surging Edmonton Oilers squad to take Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, winning a thrilling opener in the high-stakes rematch at Rogers Place.
The Oilers struck first just over a minute in, with Leon Draisaitl capitalizing on early momentum. But the Panthers responded swiftly—Sam Bennett tipped in a Carter Verhaeghe shot midway through the first period to even the score. Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch challenged for goaltender interference and lost, resulting in a delay of game penalty.
Florida’s Brad Marchand made Edmonton pay, converting on the power play to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead at the 12:30 mark. Despite outshooting Florida 15-6, the Oilers ended the opening frame trailing.
Bennett extended the Panthers’ lead early in the second period with his second goal of the night. Though Viktor Arvidsson narrowed the gap moments later, Florida held on, silencing the home crowd and stealing Game 1.
The Panthers, who are chasing their second consecutive Stanley Cup title, are back in the final for the third straight year. Their dynamic lineup, strengthened by additions like Marchand and Seth Jones, continues to dominate under head coach Paul Maurice.
Edmonton, determined to rewrite last year’s heartbreak after falling to Florida in a dramatic final, holds home-ice advantage this time around. Superstars Connor McDavid and Draisaitl lead a more seasoned squad bolstered by new additions like Trent Frederic and Jake Walman.
This marks only the fifth time since 1968 that the NHL has seen a Stanley Cup Final rematch—setting the stage for a fierce and closely contested series.
Swifteradio.com
