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In a thrilling start to Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are leading the Florida Panthers 3-2 after an action-packed first period. The 20 minutes saw a flurry of goals, culminating in a power-play score by Leon Draisaitl, who was brilliantly set up by a dazzling solo effort from teammate Connor McDavid. This electrifying display of offense marks the highest-scoring first period in a Stanley Cup Final since 2016.

The Panthers struck first early in the opening period when Sam Bennett capitalized on a power-play opportunity, potting the puck behind Oilers' goaltender Stuart Skinner. However, the Oilers responded swiftly with a goal from Evander Kane, tying the game at 1-1. Edmonton's Evan Bouchard then gave his team the lead with a scorching shot that eluded Panther's goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, thanks to a partial screen by Sam Reinhart.

Florida quickly leveled the score again through a well-orchestrated play by Eetu Luostarinen, who found a wide-open Seth Jones for an easy goal. But it was the Oilers who had the final say in the period, capitalizing on a power-play after Sam Bennett was penalized for interfering with the goalie. McDavid's incredible stick-handling gave Draisaitl the perfect setup for his third goal in the series, cementing Edmonton’s 3-2 advantage.

Entering the second period, the Panthers had 41 seconds remaining on a power-play, looking to tie the game once again. Edmonton had an early chance to extend their lead when Evan Bouchard emerged from the penalty box, only to be denied by Bobrovsky. The Panthers' goalie appeared more composed after a shaky start, stopping another notable attempt from Bouchard set up by McDavid.

Despite taking the lead, Edmonton faced stiff resistance from the Panthers' penalty kill units, which successfully nullified a crucial 5-on-3 power-play late in the first period. Florida’s determined defense featured several critical blocked shots, maintaining the scoreline at 3-2.

The Oilers will need continuous stellar performances from their leading players, McDavid and Draisaitl, as they aim to take a 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final. With a record of teams winning 50 out of 55 series after leading 2-0 in the history of the NHL Finals, the stakes are high. Both teams will look to their goaltenders, Bobrovsky and Skinner, to step up as the series progresses.