The Florida Panthers emerged victorious in a thrilling Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 in double overtime. Brad Marchand played the hero for the Panthers, scoring the game-winning goal on a breakaway to even the series at 1-1 as the series shifts to Florida.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start, with both teams trading goals in a chaotic first period. Sam Bennett opened the scoring for the Panthers early in the first, setting an NHL record with his 12th road playoff goal. The Oilers responded quickly, with Evander Kane tying the game. Evan Bouchard then put the Oilers ahead with a long wrist shot. Florida managed to tie the game before the end of the first, but the Oilers regained the lead on a power play goal by Leon Draisaitl, assisted by Connor McDavid.
The second period saw the Panthers take control, with Dmitry Kulikov tying the game and Brad Marchand scoring a shorthanded goal to give Florida a 4-3 lead. The Panthers dominated the second period, outshooting the Oilers 15-8 and hemming them in their own zone for extended periods.
The Oilers refused to go down without a fight. Late in the third period, with their goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Corey Perry scored with just 17.8 seconds remaining to tie the game and send it to overtime. Perry's goal was the latest game-tying goal in Stanley Cup Final history.
The first overtime period was filled with chances for both teams, but neither could find the back of the net. Sam Reinhart missed a breakaway chance for the Panthers, while Brad Marchand hit the post earlier in the overtime.
In the second overtime, Brad Marchand finally broke the deadlock, scoring on a breakaway after receiving a pass from Anton Lundell. The goal sent the Panthers bench into celebration and silenced the Edmonton crowd.
Sergei Bobrovsky was stellar in goal for the Panthers, making 42 saves to earn the victory. Stuart Skinner, despite being shaken up by a collision in the first period, made 37 saves for the Oilers.
The series now shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 is scheduled for Monday. With the series tied at 1-1, the Panthers have wrestled home-ice advantage away from the Oilers. The Panthers will look to build on their Game 2 victory and take a lead in the series, while the Oilers will be eager to bounce back and regain control.
