Stanley Cup Final Game 2: Panthers Prevail in Double OT Thriller vs Oilers

As predicted after Game 1, the series between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is proving to be a nail-biter, with games likely decided in the final minutes or overtime. Game 2 was no exception.

Following the Oilers` overtime victory in Game 1, Friday night saw a repeat of the late-game drama. Veteran forward Corey Perry scored a game-tying goal with just 18 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. However, it took until *double* overtime for the deciding goal, scored by another seasoned player, Brad Marchand, giving the Panthers a crucial 5-4 win. This victory levels the series at 1-1 as the teams head to South Florida for Game 3 on Monday.

Here`s a breakdown of how both teams performed in another thrilling overtime contest, the standout players, and the key questions facing both the Oilers and Panthers before the next game.

Edmonton Oilers

Grade: B-

The Oilers had a dynamic start, scoring three goals in the first period. However, they also conceded two goals in that frame and two more in the second, struggling to establish control. Despite these difficulties, they managed to score the tying goal late in the third period, sending the game to overtime for the second consecutive match against the reigning Stanley Cup champions.

Game 2 was a rollercoaster, and yet the Oilers still had a chance to win before Marchand`s double overtime winner. While they are strong at mounting comebacks, Game 2 underscored the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. They controlled possession in the third period with a 63.6% shot share and four high-danger chances, and in the first overtime, they had a 51.2% shot share and five high-danger chances, but couldn`t finish.

Heading to South Florida tied at 1-1 is certainly better than trailing 2-0, as they did a year ago. However, given their numerous chances in overtime, Game 2 feels like a missed opportunity to take a commanding series lead.

Florida Panthers

Grade: B

Facing a team as resilient as the Oilers, who can strike at any moment, the Panthers had to manage their risks, especially in overtime. They generated multiple scoring chances in the first overtime period – a loose puck under Stuart Skinner`s pads cleared off the line, a rebound caught by Skinner, and Sam Reinhart`s breakaway attempt that went wide.

It seemed possible the Panthers might lament another set of missed opportunities. However, Brad Marchand secured his second breakaway of the night in double overtime to score the game-winning goal, leveling the series at 1-1.

Marchand`s timely goal was critical. It was the difference between the Panthers gaining a measure of control in the series and potentially facing a daunting 2-0 deficit after blowing third-period leads in both contests. While they didn`t play a perfect game, they found a way to win when it mattered most.

Three Stars of Game 2

1. Brad Marchand (RW, Panthers)

Known for his antics and clutch performances, Marchand had an incredible Game 2. He scored a short-handed go-ahead goal in the second period. This was his second short-handed goal against a Canadian team on June 6th in his career. More importantly, he netted the winner in double overtime on a breakaway, capping a memorable performance.

2. Connor McDavid (C, Oilers)

McDavid finished the game with three assists. One of his assists, setting up Leon Draisaitl`s first-period goal, was a display of incredible skill, blowing past defensemen before delivering a sublime pass. Plays like this seem routine for McDavid, especially in the postseason.

3. The First Period

Game 2 began with an explosive first period. The Panthers scored first, but the Oilers quickly responded with two goals. The Panthers tied it up, only for the Oilers to regain the lead thanks to McDavid`s highlight-reel play setting up Draisaitl. Five goals were scored in total, alongside 11 penalties, yet the flow of the game remained exciting, with power plays and 4-on-4 adding to the action.

Players to Watch in Game 3

Evan Bouchard (D, Oilers)

Bouchard`s Game 2 performance, including a three-point night (his second of the postseason and seventh multipoint game), highlights a key dynamic. He logged significant ice time and was involved in almost all of the Oilers` goals, demonstrating the trust from Coach Kris Knoblauch. However, he was also on the ice for three goals against, including both of Marchand`s breakaways, and took two cross-checking penalties. How he performs the rest of the series will be crucial, not only for the team`s success but also for his upcoming contract negotiations as a pending restricted free agent seeking a significant raise from his current $4.3 million salary.

Matthew Tkachuk (RW, Panthers)

A strange stat from Game 2: Tkachuk didn`t record a shot on goal until late in the third period, and that shot was eventually credited to someone else. This marks the sixth time in these playoffs he`s finished a game without a shot on goal. Even more bizarrely, the Panthers have only lost one of those six games. While Florida found offense elsewhere in Game 2, Tkachuk is expected to be a central figure if the Panthers are to win the series. He has often responded to `shotless` games by recording a point in the next one. While goals are important, Tkachuk`s contribution goes beyond scoring; his physical presence is key, yet he had only one of the team`s 60 hits in Game 2. More impact is needed from the Panthers` superstar.

Big Questions for Game 3

Can the Oilers find more early consistency instead of relying on late heroics?

After two games, a clear trend has emerged: the Oilers need to start games better and maintain consistent pressure rather than constantly depending on their late-game comeback ability. While they had a strong first period in Game 2 (three goals, 14 shots, 55% shot share), their second period was concerningly weak (nine shots, two goals against, sub-30% shot share). Although they rallied in the third and overtime, the inconsistency, particularly in the second period, could have been the difference between a 2-0 series lead and the current 1-1 tie. They need to play a more complete 60 minutes.

What must the Panthers do to close out the Oilers in the third period?

In Game 1, the Oilers ended the Panthers` impressive 31-game streak of winning when leading after two periods. In Game 2, Corey Perry`s late third-period goal nearly repeated this, forcing overtime before Marchand`s goal saved the win. The Panthers dominated the second period (70.45% shot share, eight high-danger chances, two goals) to take a 4-3 lead into the third, yet they allowed the Oilers to tie it up again. Knowing Edmonton`s history of late-game heroics and their 4-0 record in overtime heading into Game 2 reinforces that no lead is safe. While Florida survived in Game 2, a manner few teams have against the Oilers this postseason, they might not be as fortunate if they continue to let leads slip in the final frame.