Before delving into the specifics of Game 1, it`s perhaps useful to establish a fundamental understanding for evaluating this Stanley Cup Final series. Realistically, unless either the Edmonton Oilers or Florida Panthers build a lead substantial enough to truly end contention, the outcome of any given game could very well be determined in the final ten minutes of regulation or whenever a game-winning goal is scored in overtime.
With that perspective in mind, let`s analyze how the Oilers claimed a 4-3 overtime win on Wednesday night and what this result signifies for both teams as they prepare for Friday`s Game 2.
Edmonton Oilers
Grade: B
Winning the third period in the manner they did was absolutely crucial for the Oilers. This was significant not only because it extended the game into overtime but also because it was arguably their most consistent period of play in Game 1. Although they had shots in the first period, they still trailed. In the second, they struggled to maintain possession and generate offense, contributing to their deficit. Mattias Ekholm`s goal early in the third period marked the 20th different player to score for the Oilers this postseason. Crucially, they outshot the Panthers 14-2 in the third and held a 58.3% shot share, finally establishing a sense of control that had been missing earlier. While they started overtime defensively, their sustained pressure over the preceding 15 minutes paid off handsomely when Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winner on the power play with just 1:06 remaining.
Florida Panthers
Grade: B-
The Panthers survived numerous dangerous moments throughout the game. They survived Kasperi Kapanen`s brief breakaway opportunity. They survived Trent Frederic`s shot from the faceoff circle at point-blank range. They survived an Oilers 5-on-5 sequence that essentially functioned like a power play. They even survived Evan Bouchard slipping behind the defense for another close-range scoring chance that Sergei Bobrovsky managed to stop. It felt like the Panthers were tested to their limits, perhaps surviving a little too much. In the end, they simply could not survive the Oilers` late overtime power play, which culminated in Draisaitl`s decisive goal.
Every game presents a potential turning point, especially after a loss. The Panthers have a few to consider. Will the key takeaway be the second period, where they boasted a 65.2% shot share and fired 17 shots on goal, yet came away with only one goal primarily due to Stuart Skinner`s strong netminding? Will it be the third period, during which they managed a mere two shots? Or will it be their inability to capitalize on a seemingly dominant start to the overtime session?
Arda Öcal`s Three Stars of Game 1
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1. Leon Draisaitl
C, Oilers
After not scoring in the 2024 Cup Final previously, Draisaitl scored just 66 seconds into Game 1 and then netted the overtime game-winner. It was a sublime start to this year`s championship series for him. Draisaitl has now been involved in scoring or assisting on five of the Oilers` six overtime goals over the past two postseasons.
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2. Mattias Ekholm
D, Oilers
The veteran defenseman registered his first goal of this postseason in only his second game back from injury. His tally made him the 20th different Oiler player to score in these playoffs, tying for the second-most unique goal scorers in a single NHL postseason in history. (The 1987 Flyers and 2019 Blues hold the record with 21 different scorers.)
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3. Sam Bennett
C, Panthers
Bennett had a two-goal performance despite his team`s loss. He now has 12 goals this postseason, setting a Panthers franchise record for the most in a single playoff run. Notably, eleven of those goals were scored on the road, tying him with Mark Scheifele (2018) for the most road goals in a single NHL postseason.
Players to Watch in Game 2
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Kasperi Kapanen
RW, Oilers
Remember that this player was on waivers back in November. When the Oilers claimed him, it was seen as a way to add affordable depth, but it has evolved into something much greater. His game-winning goal in the series-clinching Game 5 overtime victory in the Western Conference Final opened the door for increased playing time. He nearly repeated the feat in Game 1 overtime, but he did record an assist on the actual game-winning goal. Kapanen has been a crucial part of the solution for the Oilers dealing with Zach Hyman`s injury absence from the Western Conference Final onwards. He contributed significantly in Game 1 with three assists and five hits, helping the Oilers maintain the physical edge that is part of their identity and got them to a consecutive Cup Final appearance.
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Sam Bennett
C, Panthers
There are two ways to interpret Bennett`s performance in Game 1. First, his two-point effort reinforced why he is a serious candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Bennett was already a front-runner with a postseason-leading 10 goals entering the game. Adding two more gives him 18 points, tying him with Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for fourth place in playoff scoring. Second, this performance is only going to increase his value heading into this offseason. What Bennett has done to help the Panthers reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals – and put them in a position to potentially claim at least a second championship – will significantly boost his market value come July 1st.
Big Questions for Game 2
Did the Oilers` defensive approach in the third period and overtime provide a roadmap for containing the Panthers?
The Oilers` journey back to the Stanley Cup Final has been largely based on a defensive structure that made life incredibly difficult for teams like the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights, both top-five regular-season offenses that struggled in the playoffs. The Oilers faced some early challenges in Game 1, with their goalie Skinner being screened on the first two goals and a defensive breakdown in the second period leaving him exposed. However, from that point on, the Oilers surrendered only a combined eight shots across the final regulation period and overtime (excluding the initial rush in OT). The question remains whether this late-game defensive tightness is a sustainable strategy or if the Panthers, known for breaking through constricting defensive schemes (like Carolina`s in the Eastern Conference Final), will find countermeasures in Game 2. Could the Oilers` strong finish indicate a defensive identity they can replicate more consistently?
For the Panthers, what is the key lesson from Game 1: their strong stretches or their weak finish?
This is where things get complicated and relates back to the idea of inflection points. In the second period, the Panthers attacked with an aggression rarely seen against the Oilers, resulting in five high-danger scoring chances and 17 shots on goal. Yet, they only managed to score once from this dominant stretch, which raises questions about their efficiency in finishing opportunities, especially in a game decided by one goal. At the same time, the fact that they were forced to survive defensively in overtime, despite starting strong and having scoring chances, but ultimately failing to maintain a consistent threat, also gives the Panthers much to consider. This performance also stands in contrast to their impressive prior record of winning their last 31 playoff games when holding a lead after the second period. They need to decide whether to focus on converting chances during their dominant periods or finding a way to avoid the late-game dips in performance.
