**Oilers Triumph Over Panthers in OT to Take Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final**

In an electrifying start to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers edged out the Florida Panthers 4-3 in overtime. The thrilling game concluded with a crucial overtime power play, converted by Edmonton’s star duo Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

The decisive moment came when Panthers' Tomas Nosek inadvertently sent the puck over the glass, putting the Oilers on a power play. McDavid and Draisaitl executed flawlessly against the Panthers' high penalty killers. McDavid found Draisaitl down low, who then hammered a one-timer past Sergei Bobrovsky, sending the Edmonton crowd into a frenzy.

The Oilers had controlled much of the third period, with Connor McDavid's relentless energy leading the charge. His remarkable assist to Mattias Ekholm tied the game, scaling the pressure into overtime. Despite McDavid’s early dominance, the Panthers displayed resilience, generating a few chances to break through but ultimately failing against Edmonton’s disciplined defense.

Throughout the game, both teams showcased moments of brilliance. Evan Rodrigues of the Panthers nearly clinched the game with a sharp shot from the slot, but Oilers’ goalie Stuart Skinner managed a vital glove save. On the other end, Edmonton's Kasperi Kapanen made a thrilling solo effort, only to hit the post after a deke attempt on Bobrovsky.

Florida initially started strong, with goals from Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand giving them an early edge. Bennett continued to be instrumental, scoring his 12th goal of the playoffs—a franchise record. The Panthers capitalized on Edmonton’s errors, particularly with a power play goal resulting from a failed coach’s challenge by the Oilers.

However, Edmonton responded resiliently. Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring barely a minute into the game, followed by a vintage slap shot goal from Viktor Arvidsson. Despite a period where Edmonton’s shots on goal dwindled, they managed to keep a one-goal deficit going into the third period, thanks largely to some crucial saves by Skinner.

The game’s tight and intense nature mirrors last year's epic seven-game showdown between these two teams. Both squads have battled fiercely throughout the playoffs, with the Panthers quickly dispatching the Lightning and Stars, while the Oilers have demonstrated formidable prowess after their initial hiccup against the Kings.

The anticipation for a memorable series has only heightened after such an enthralling Game 1. The question remains: will McDavid and Draisaitl finally secure their long-sought Stanley Cup, or will Florida's quest for a dynasty prevail? Only time will tell as the series unfolds.