**Leon Draisaitl's Overtime Heroics Propel Oilers to Game 1 Victory in Stanley Cup Final**

EDMONTON, AB – In a thrilling start to the Stanley Cup Final, Leon Draisaitl emerged as the hero for the Edmonton Oilers, scoring the decisive goal on a power play with just 31 seconds left in the first overtime period. This crucial tally lifted the Oilers to a 4-3 victory over the Florida Panthers, granting them a 1-0 lead in the series.

"We deserved to win tonight, but they're going to come back stronger for Game 2," said Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm. "It's one game. We need to stay focused. We know we have three more wins to go, and it's going to be a battle."

Draisaitl, who also scored early in the first period, netted his first two career goals in the Stanley Cup Final. His game-winning goal came after a delay-of-game penalty by Florida's Tomas Nosek provided Edmonton a power play opportunity. Draisaitl received a pinpoint saucer pass from Connor McDavid and fired a one-timer past Panthers' goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

"The emotions are high," said Edmonton's goaltender Stuart Skinner. "You're ecstatic to get that win, especially in overtime. The timely finish was massive for us."

Sam Bennett was a standout for the Panthers, scoring twice to bring his league-leading goal total to 12. However, strong responses from Viktor Arvidsson and Mattias Ekholm helped the Oilers erase a 3-1 deficit. Arvidsson's slap shot cut Florida’s lead to one, and Ekholm's third-period equalizer tied the game at 3-3, leading to the eventual overtime.

Oilers’ winger Kasperi Kapanen and captain Connor McDavid each contributed crucial assists, with McDavid taking the lead in the NHL playoff points race with 28 points. Goaltender Stuart Skinner continued his impressive playoff performance, making 29 saves on 32 shots and extending his win streak to six games.

Ekholm acknowledged the importance of experience in these high-stakes games. "I think those are the little details that keep you calm and focused," he said. "We never deviated from the plan and got a huge OT win."

Edmonton's defense was also on display in Game 1. An early power play for the Panthers was successfully killed off, and the Oilers maintained their physical edge with hits like Evander Kane's heavy check on Aaron Ekblad. Despite this, Florida found the equalizer in controversial fashion when Sam Bennett’s interference with Stuart Skinner was deemed unintentional by the referees, allowing the goal to stand.

The Panthers capitalized on the ensuing power play, with Brad Marchand scoring to give them a brief lead. Still, Skinner’s strong performance behind the net provided a backstop for Edmonton’s resilience.

Heading into Game 2 on Friday night at Rogers Place, the Oilers aim to maintain their momentum and secure a 2-0 series lead. As Draisaitl noted, staying healthy and focused will be key for the team’s continued success.

"Some incredible plays made it pretty easy for me to put that home," Draisaitl said, reflecting on the overtime winner. "It's a special feeling, but we've got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2."