In a thrilling Game 2 of their Stanley Cup final rematch, Brad Marchand showcased his skills by scoring on a breakaway in double overtime, leading the Florida Panthers to a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. This win allowed the Panthers to level the series after a gripping contest that saw Corey Perry score the equalizer with just 17.8 seconds left in regulation, while the Oilers’ Stuart Skinner was pulled for an extra attacker.
This Stanley Cup final marks the first time since 2014 that the first two games have gone to overtime, a feat that has only occurred six times in NHL history. The excitement of the game was palpable, with both teams showcasing their determination to clinch the championship. Marchand's second goal, scored 8:04 into the second overtime, solidified his status as a clutch performer, marking his 10th career goal in the finals, a record that leads all active players.
Once again, Sergei Bobrovsky proved to be an invaluable asset for the Panthers, delivering a sensational performance by stopping 42 of the 46 shots he faced. Bobrovsky's ability to make crucial saves at pivotal moments was a key factor in Florida's success. His teammates contributed significantly as well, providing the necessary goal support to secure the win.
Alongside Marchand, Sam Bennett continued his impressive postseason run, scoring his 13th goal, which is also a record-setting 12th goal on the road in NHL history. Additionally, Seth Jones capitalized on a wide-open net following a display of exceptional tic-tac-toe passing, while Dmitry Kulikov tied the game with a shot through traffic that left Skinner with little chance to react. The Panthers dominated the second period, controlling the play and amassing a staggering 34-13 advantage in shot attempts.
As the series shifts to Sunrise for Game 3 on Monday night, the Panthers have successfully wrested home-ice advantage from the Oilers. Despite their Game 1 overtime loss, Florida has shown resilience, proving they are ready to battle against Edmonton's star duo, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Both stars had notable moments in the game, assisting on Evan Bouchard's goal and showcasing their talents with McDavid's impressive stickhandling to set up Draisaitl for a power-play goal.
Throughout the game, the officials called a total of 14 penalties, resulting in 10 power plays, a reflection of the intense competition on the ice. While both teams had grievances regarding some calls, the penalties ultimately balanced out, contributing to the overall excitement of the match.
As the series continues, hockey fans can expect more thrilling action as both the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers vie for the coveted Stanley Cup title.
