Recap and Analysis: Panthers Edge Oilers in Dramatic Game 2

As predicted after Game 1, it seems every contest between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is destined to be decided in the final 10 minutes or later, unless one team establishes a significant early lead. That held true in Game 1, won by the Oilers in overtime. The pattern repeated on Friday.

The venerable Corey Perry scored a game-tying goal with just 18 seconds remaining, sending Game 2 into overtime. However, it took two extra periods before veteran Brad Marchand netted the winning goal, securing a 5-4 victory for the Panthers. This levels the series at one game apiece as it shifts to South Florida for Game 3 on Monday.

Following another thrilling overtime battle, how did each team perform? Who were the key players? And, importantly, what are the main questions facing both the Oilers and Panthers heading into Game 3?

Edmonton Oilers

Grade: B-

Edmonton jumped out strong in the first period with three goals, only to concede two in that same frame and two more in the second, struggling to maintain control.

Despite these struggles, they managed to score the tying goal late in the third period, forcing consecutive overtime games against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

Game 2 was a rollercoaster, yet the Oilers still had a clear opportunity to win, only for Marchand to score in double overtime. While strong at mounting comebacks, Game 2 highlighted the importance of capitalizing on chances. They controlled possession in the third period with a 63.6% shot share and four high-danger chances. In the first overtime, they had a 51.2% shot share and created five high-danger opportunities.

Heading to South Florida tied 1-1 is certainly better than trailing 2-0, as they did last year. However, given their chances in overtime, this feels like a missed opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.

Florida Panthers

Grade: B

How much risk is acceptable against a team that constantly poses a threat and can strike at any moment? This question loomed for the Panthers during the first overtime, where they generated numerous scoring chances.

There was the loose puck that slipped under Stuart Skinner`s pads, cleared away by John Klingberg. Skinner also snared a rebound in midair, and Sam Reinhart`s breakaway attempt sailed wide when it could have ended the game.

It seemed the Panthers might be left to rue missed opportunities yet again, until Marchand secured his second breakaway of the game to score the winner and tie the series 1-1.

Marchand`s goal was pivotal; it was the difference between the Panthers gaining control of the series after two games or facing a 2-0 deficit after blowing third-period leads in both contests.

Standout Players of Game 2

1. Brad Marchand

Beyond his emerging team traditions, Marchand was a force. He scored a short-handed, go-ahead goal in the second period, marking his second career short-handed goal against a Canadian team on June 6th. He then capped off an incredible performance by scoring the double-overtime winner on a breakaway.

2. Connor McDavid

McDavid registered three assists, including one that would be a career highlight for most players (and a postseason best for many). Yet, for McDavid, plays of this caliber seem to happen nightly.

3. The First Period

What a start to Game 2! Florida`s Sam Bennett opened the scoring on the power play, followed by two quick goals from Edmonton`s Evander Kane and Evan Bouchard. Seth Jones tied it for Florida, only for McDavid to produce another moment of brilliance a minute later, beating Aleksander Barkov and finessing past Aaron Ekblad before setting up Leon Draisaitl. All of this unfolded in the opening period.

Remarkably, 11 penalties were called in the first 20 minutes, but this didn`t hinder the flow. If anything, the power plays and 4-on-4 situations added to the excitement.

Players to Watch in Game 3

Evan Bouchard

Bouchard`s performance in Game 2 adds complexity to Edmonton`s offseason planning. He recorded his seventh multipoint game of the postseason, and his second three-point game. He logged significant ice time (34:29), showing trust from coach Kris Knoblauch, and was involved in most of the Oilers` goals. However, he was also on ice for three goals against, including both of Marchand`s breakaways, and took two cross-checking penalties.

How he performs as the series continues will likely influence his upcoming contract negotiations. A restricted free agent on a bridge deal, he`s due a substantial raise from his $4.3 million salary over the past two seasons.

Matthew Tkachuk

It`s surprising to realize Tkachuk didn`t record a shot on goal until late in the third period (and even then, it was credited elsewhere). This was his sixth game this postseason without a shot. Even more surprisingly, the Panthers have lost only one of those six games.

While Florida found offense elsewhere in Game 2, Tkachuk`s contributions are vital for winning the series. He has historically responded to shotless games by registering a point in the subsequent one. Goals are only part of his impact; he recorded just one of the Panthers` 60 hits in Game 2. Florida needs more from their superstar forward.

Big Questions for Game 3

Can the Oilers find consistency early, rather than relying on late-game heroics?

Two games might be sufficient evidence that Edmonton needs to start stronger rather than constantly depending on their ability to come back late. In the first period of Game 2, despite allowing two goals, they managed to control play with a 55% shot share, 14 shots on goal, and three goals, taking a 3-2 lead into the second.

The second period was a stark contrast. The Oilers were limited to nine shots, gave up two goals, and had a shot share below 30%, largely playing without the puck before their late third-period rally forced overtime.

They lost by the narrowest of margins, and their play in the second period potentially cost them a 2-0 series lead, leaving them tied 1-1 instead.

What must the Panthers do to close out games in the third period?

In Game 1, the Oilers ended Florida`s 31-game winning streak when leading after two periods. It almost happened again in Game 2 with Perry`s late tying goal, saved only by Marchand`s double-overtime winner.

After a tough first period where they allowed three goals, the Panthers dominated the second with a 70.45% shot share and eight high-danger chances, converting two to take a 4-3 lead into the third.

It appeared Florida was on track to win, until Edmonton mounted another comeback. In overtime, the Panthers had multiple opportunities in both extra periods before Marchand finally scored.

Considering Edmonton`s history of comeback capability (like last season`s playoff run from down 3-0) and their impressive record this postseason (15 goals in the final five minutes of regulation, 4-0 in overtime prior to Game 2), no lead is truly safe against them. The Panthers survived in a way most teams haven`t this year, but they might not be so fortunate next time.