2 OT Thriller
Marchand scored on a breakaway at the 8:04 mark in Double Overtime, his second goal of the game to even the series at one game each. Florida wins the game 5-4 to send the Championship round to Florida for games 3 and 4. The split in the first 2 games in Edmonton guarantees a game 5 of this best of 7 matchup will be played back in Edmonton.
This was an emotionally charged and hard fought affair. The lead changed hands a couple of times with Edmonton initially going ahead by a score of 3-2 after the first period. However, the Oilers must have thought it was Ground Hog Day as they once again found themselves having to come from behind as Florida pulled ahead 4-3 after the second period. Corey Perry scored with the goalie pulled and 17.8 seconds left in the third period to send the game into overtime.
Edmonton fans have been treated to excellent hockey. They have repaid the hockey world for this level of entertainment by being very vocal and engaged, with frequent chants of “Lets Go Oilers” echoing throughout the arena. The star players of both teams have showed up to play. Connor McDavid alone has been worth the price of admission, showcasing his tremendous skillset that makes him currently (possibly all time) the uncontested best player in the world. Both games have gone to overtime.
One concerning part of the game featured the Panthers Sam Bennett who continued to be a physical beast in front of the net, or more accurately, in the crease. Bennett took position in front of Edmonton’s Goalie Stuart Skinner while battling the Oilers defense. Bennett eventually ended up falling / being pushed on top of Skinner, resulting in Skinner favouring his leg in an apparent injury. Fortunately for Skinner and the Oilers, he was able to return to the net and finish the game. Bennett received a Goaltender Interference penalty on the play. A real scare for Edmonton.
This has not been the first time in the 2025 playoffs that Bennett has been involved in an incident involving a goalie. In the Toronto – Florida series, Bennett accidently elbowed Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz, resulting in Stolarz exiting the series with a concussion.
Florida goal scorers were Brad Marchand with 2 and Seth Jones, Dmitry Kulikov, and Sam Bennett each tallying one goal. Nate Schmidt and Anton Lundell each had 2 assists. Edmonton’s Goal Scorers were Corey Perry, Evander Kane (+1 Assist), Leon Draisaitl (+1 Assist) and Evan Bouchard (+2 Assists). Connor McDavid with 3 Assists.
Game 3 is slated for Monday in Florida. Stay tuned as this series is much watch hockey.
Keep your stick on the ice and stay safe.
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.