Stanley Cup Final Game 4: Oilers Force Tie with Dramatic Comeback

Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in South Florida proved to be a uniquely bizarre and thrilling contest. Jake Walman of the Edmonton Oilers appeared to score the game-winning goal in the third period, only for Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers to net an equalizer with just 20 seconds remaining in regulation. The wild finish extended into overtime, where Leon Draisaitl scored the actual winner, securing a 5-4 victory for Edmonton and tying the series at 2-2.

The game’s erratic nature was highlighted by the Panthers’ dominant 3-0 lead in the first period. However, the Oilers responded dramatically in the second, pulling starting goaltender Stuart Skinner for Calvin Pickard and subsequently scoring three unanswered goals to level the score.

This set the stage for a tense third period. Walman’s goal briefly gave the Oilers the lead with 6:24 left, but Florida’s late push resulted in Reinhart’s tying goal. Draisaitl’s overtime heroics then completed the comeback for Edmonton.

Following this incredible game, we analyze what went right and wrong for each team, identifying key players to watch in Game 5 and discussing the critical questions facing both the Oilers and the Panthers heading into Saturday`s matchup.

Edmonton Oilers
Grade: B+

Game 4 prompts a debate: Was the focus the impressive comeback, or the defensive lapses that necessitated it? After allowing two goals in each period of Game 3, the Oilers gave up three goals in a challenging first period of Game 4. Coach Kris Knoblauch`s decision to replace Stuart Skinner with Calvin Pickard at the start of the second period proved pivotal. Pickard stopped all 10 shots he faced in the frame, while the Oilers significantly improved their offensive pressure, leading to three goals and tying the game. The third period saw improved defensive structure, limiting high-danger chances, although Florida managed a late equalizer. Ultimately, Draisaitl`s overtime goal secured a crucial win, bringing the series level at 2-2.

Florida Panthers
Grade: B

The Panthers appeared to take control early in Game 4, aiming for a decisive win. They established a quick 3-0 lead in the first period with two power-play goals from Matthew Tkachuk and a goal from Anton Lundell, dominating shots and scoring chances. Florida’s forecheck seemed to overwhelm the Oilers initially. However, Edmonton`s goaltender change to Calvin Pickard shifted the momentum. The Oilers scored three times in the second period, erasing Florida`s lead and putting the Panthers on the defensive. Pickard remained strong in net, thwarting Florida`s attempts until Sam Reinhart`s late goal forced overtime. Ultimately, uncharacteristic errors by the Panthers contributed to their loss in extra time. Their focus now shifts to regrouping for Game 5.

Three Stars of Game 4

1. Leon Draisaitl
C, Oilers

Draisaitl set a new record for most overtime goals in a single postseason with his fourth winner, adding to his record for regular-season overtime goals. He joins a select group as only the third player in Stanley Cup Final history with multiple overtime goals in a single series.

2. Calvin Pickard
G, Oilers

Entering the game in relief of Stuart Skinner, Pickard was outstanding, stopping 22 of 23 shots faced, with the only goal coming late in regulation against an empty net. He is the first goaltender to win a Stanley Cup Final game in relief since 2015 and is one of only four goalies to win seven consecutive playoff decisions after not starting the first game of the postseason.

3. Matthew Tkachuk
RW, Panthers

Tkachuk scored his first two goals of the Stanley Cup Final early in the game, giving the Panthers a quick lead. This marked his first two-goal game in a Cup Final and his fifth career playoff power-play goal, setting a franchise record.

Honorable mention: This series!

This Stanley Cup Final has been highly entertaining, featuring two overtime games, a blowout, and the dramatic back-and-forth of Game 4. With at least seven total goals in the first four games, this series is among the highest-scoring starts in Cup Final history. The stage is set for an exciting Game 5!

Players to watch in Game 5

Calvin Pickard
G, Oilers

Pickard`s performance in relief has become vital for the Oilers, providing much-needed consistency. He previously stepped into the starting role in the first round and won four straight games. In Game 4, he was nearly perfect after coming in, stopping 22 of 23 shots over 51 minutes, including every shot in overtime. His ability to perform effectively despite a long layoff makes him a critical player to watch.

Sam Bennett
C, Panthers

Florida`s leading playoff scorer had a challenging Game 4. Sam Bennett took penalties that contributed to Oilers goals and struggled to generate his usual offensive impact, finishing with only one assist. Given his importance to the Panthers` attack and his previous strong play that made him a Conn Smythe candidate, all eyes will be on Bennett to see how he responds and elevates his game in Game 5 as the series shifts back to Edmonton.

Big questions for Game 5

Have the Oilers found a new defensive approach?

The Oilers have faced criticism for defensive issues, including allowing breakaways and giving up multiple goals in periods. Game 4 started poorly but saw a significant shift in their defensive play after the first period. In Game 4, the Oilers:

• Improved their ability to disrupt passing lanes, drastically reducing the Panthers` shots after the first period.
• Blocked a high number of shots (28).
• Limited the Panthers` high-danger scoring chances effectively, even when Florida controlled possession.

While Florida scored late and in overtime, the overall structure the Oilers displayed for the majority of Game 4, combined with Pickard`s play, resembled the defensive capability Connor McDavid has spoken of. Can they maintain this level of defensive execution in Game 5 and beyond, and is this the key to winning the series?

Can Florida solve Calvin Pickard?

The Panthers had considerable success against Stuart Skinner earlier in the series, but Calvin Pickard proved to be a tough challenge in relief during Game 4. He made several crucial saves against Florida`s top scorers and maintained his composure even after allowing the late tying goal. Pickard`s strong performance in overtime was critical in securing the win for Edmonton.

Pickard had a solid playoff record (6-0) before his injury. If he can be the difference-maker in net that the Oilers need, the Panthers must find a way to adjust their offensive strategy and find openings against him. How Florida approaches attacking a hot goaltender in Game 5 will be a major factor.