### Edmonton Oilers Triumph in Thrilling OT Victory Against Florida Panthers in Stanley Cup Final Opener

Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place erupted in jubilation as the Edmonton Oilers snagged a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Leon Draisaitl clinched the win with a power-play goal, 31 seconds before the end of the first overtime, capping off a night filled with high-stakes hockey and emotional peaks.

The game began explosively, with Draisaitl securing his first career Stanley Cup Final goal just 1:06 into the first period, the fastest goal in nearly 50 years. Despite an early lead, the Oilers found themselves trailing 3-2 by the second intermission. The Panthers, bolstered by two goals from Sam Bennett and one from Brad Marchand, seemed to be dictating the game. Bennett's first goal, confirmed after a goaltender interference challenge, tied the game at 1-1 before Marchand's power-play strike gave Florida the advantage.

Florida's momentum was palpable, but Edmonton's resilience shone through. Viktor Arvidsson's goal early in the second period brought the Oilers back within striking distance, cutting the Panthers' lead to 3-2. The intensity continued into the third period, where Mattias Ekholm, returning from an injury that kept him out for much of the playoffs, tied the game at 3-3. Connor McDavid, who had been somewhat quiet offensively, provided a crucial assist to Ekholm, igniting the home crowd.

As overtime commenced, both teams showcased conservative yet relentless hockey. Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers' steadfast goaltender, stood tall with a total of 42 saves, including nine critical stops in the extra period. However, a delay-of-game penalty by the Panthers led to Edmonton's opportunity. With time ticking down, Draisaitl, assisted by McDavid, found the net on a power play to seal the win for the Oilers.

The game saw a combined 61 hits, underscoring the physical toll exacted on both teams. Goalie Stuart Skinner faced significant pressure, but his 23 saves proved vital in keeping Edmonton's hopes alive. Each team had chances to clinch the game in regulation and early overtime, including a near miss from Kasperi Kapanen and a close call for Trent Frederic, but it was Draisaitl's heroics that ultimately defined the night.

The victory gives Edmonton a 1-0 lead in the series, a stark contrast to their Game 1 loss in last year’s Final. Fans at Rogers Place and the Moss Pit, where thousands gathered to watch, are hopeful this is the year the Oilers can end their 35-year championship drought.

With Game 2 on the horizon, both teams will be reassessing strategies and recuperating from the physically demanding opener. The clash of these titans promises more thrilling hockey, and if this game was any indication, the rest of the series will be nothing short of spectacular.