When the Florida Panthers acquired Brad Marchand at the trade deadline, the intent was clear: bolster an already strong roster for critical moments like those seen in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. Marchand delivered when it counted, scoring the go-ahead goal in the second period and later sealing the victory with a breakaway goal, leading the Panthers to a thrilling 5-4 double-overtime win and leveling the series.
After Marchand scored his first goal, teammate Anton Lundell sent the puck ahead, allowing Marchand to break free behind the defense. Displaying his skill, Marchand executed a backhanded shot that deflected off the pad of goaltender Stuart Skinner, clinching the game-winning goal. This victory marked Marchand's 10th career goal in the Stanley Cup Final, with most of those goals accumulated during his time with the Boston Bruins.
In addition to his game-winning goal, Marchand's influence was felt earlier in the night when he regained the lead for the Panthers at 4-3 during the second period. This pivotal moment came after another assist from Lundell, who set Marchand up for a breakaway goal that beat Skinner through the five-hole, showcasing Marchand’s ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities.
The game reached overtime after Corey Perry scored a dramatic equalizer with just 18 seconds left in regulation. Perry managed to poke the puck past Sergei Bobrovsky off a point shot from defenseman Jake Walman, marking the latest game-tying goal in Stanley Cup Final history. The previous record for the latest tying goal was held by Tod Sloan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who scored 32 seconds before the end of Game 5 in 1951.
Similar to Skinner's performance in Game 1, Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky found his rhythm after a shaky start. Despite allowing three goals in the first period, Bobrovsky recovered to make 41 saves out of 45 shots faced throughout the game. This performance further solidifies his reputation, bringing his postseason record to 5-1 in games following a loss.
The addition of Marchand, alongside defenseman Seth Jones, at the trade deadline is already paying dividends for the Panthers. Marchand’s ability to score in high-pressure situations has been evident, as he has netted three goals in the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. His knack for finding the right position at critical moments, combined with a calm demeanor, has made him an invaluable asset to the team.
With key player Zach Hyman sidelined due to injury, the pressure was on the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to perform. Both players have risen to the occasion, with McDavid notching five assists in the series, including a spectacular three-assist game in Game 2. His exceptional playmaking ability was on full display as he set up Draisaitl for a stunning one-timer that gave the Oilers a brief lead.
Draisaitl also contributed significantly, scoring a goal and providing an assist in Game 2. His tally brings his postseason total to ten goals over the last three seasons, joining legends Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy in this elite club.
Bobrovsky’s performance mirrors that of Skinner in Game 1, as he bounced back from a rough first period to make crucial saves. After allowing three goals early on, he shut down the Oilers' offense, stopping 31 of the last 32 shots faced during the game. With a remarkable .961 save percentage on unblocked shots and a 9.2 goals saved above expected, Bobrovsky is proving to be a cornerstone for the Panthers in this series.
If he can maintain this level of performance against the formidable Oilers, the Panthers will be in a strong position to clinch their second consecutive Stanley Cup. With Marchand’s clutch scoring and Bobrovsky’s goaltending prowess, Florida is poised for an exciting playoff run.
