The Edmonton Oilers pulled off a stunning comeback victory in Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Florida Panthers 5-4 in overtime to tie the series at 2-2. The Oilers, after falling into a 3-0 hole in the first period, rallied with five unanswered goals, including Leon Draisaitl's overtime winner, to secure the victory.

The Panthers came out strong, establishing a commanding lead early in the game. Matthew Tkachuk scored twice on the power play, and Anton Lundell added another goal to put Florida up 3-0 before the end of the first period. Oilers' coach Kris Knoblauch made a crucial decision to replace starting goaltender Stuart Skinner with Calvin Pickard to start the second period. This seemed to spark the Oilers, who responded with renewed energy and determination.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ignited the comeback with a power-play goal early in the second period. Darnell Nurse followed up with a sharp-angle shot, and Vasily Podkolzin tied the game, completing a remarkable turnaround in the second period. The Oilers carried their momentum into the third period, where Jake Walman scored to give Edmonton their first lead of the game.

However, the Panthers refused to go down without a fight. With time running out and their net empty, Sam Reinhart scored with just 19.5 seconds left in regulation, tying the game at 4-4 and sending it into overtime.

In overtime, both teams traded chances, but it was Draisaitl who ultimately sealed the victory for the Oilers. His shot deflected off Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola's skate and past goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, sending the Oilers' bench and fans into a frenzy. This was Draisaitl's second overtime goal of the series and his record-breaking fourth of the 2025 playoffs.

Several players stood out for the Oilers in Game 4. Draisaitl's game-winning goal and two assists earned him high praise. Pickard, who replaced Skinner, was solid in net, stopping 22 of 23 shots and providing the stability the Oilers needed to mount their comeback. Nugent-Hopkins's goal and strong play were also crucial to the Oilers' success.

For the Panthers, Tkachuk's two power-play goals and Reinhart's late tying goal were offensive highlights. However, Bobrovsky, who had been stellar in the previous games, allowed five goals on 31 shots and did not appear to be at his best.

The Oilers' Game 4 victory marked a historic moment. They became the first team since the 1919 Montreal Canadiens to overcome a three-goal deficit on the road and win a Stanley Cup Final game. The Canadiens defeated the Seattle Metropolitans in Game 5 of that series.

With the series now tied at 2-2, the Stanley Cup Final shifts back to Edmonton for Game 5. The Oilers have regained momentum and confidence, while the Panthers will need to regroup and find a way to regain their earlier dominance. The series is far from over, and the remaining games promise to be filled with drama and excitement.