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Marchand’s OT winner stuns Oilers in Game 2 thriller (Image via: Getty Images)
In an unforgettable Stanley Cup Final moment, Brad Marchand emerged as the unlikely hero to lead the Florida Panthers past the Edmonton Oilers with a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory in Game 2.
After patiently waiting on the sidelines and warming up on the exercise bike, Marchand delivered a stunning game-winning goal in the second overtime that sent the Panthers’ fans into a frenzy and kept the series alive.
Marchand’s impactful performance shifts Stanley Cup Final momentum
Marchand’s decisive goal came at 8:05 of the second overtime, a backhand shot that slipped between Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner’s pads. The goal was set up by a fortunate bounce off a missed shot by Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm, which was quickly capitalized on by Anton Lundell.
Lundell’s perfectly timed pass found Marchand breaking away behind the defense, setting the stage for the clutch finish.The Panthers’ victory was hard-fought, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. Corey Perry’s dramatic late equalizer for Edmonton, coming just 18 seconds before the end of regulation, marked the latest game-tying goal in Stanley Cup Final history. Despite Perry’s heroics, it was Marchand’s overtime brilliance that ultimately made the difference.
Brad Marchand shares candid thoughts on his game-winning goal
Reflecting on the intensity of the game, Marchand told NHL.com, “They’re very intense games. The energy in this building is pretty incredible. Just the intensity of the games, it’s exciting to be a part of.” His words capture the electrifying atmosphere inside the arena and the pressure cooker environment of the Stanley Cup Final.Marchand’s impact went beyond the game-winning goal. He scored twice in total, showcasing his experience and leadership on the ice.
Teammate Seth Jones praised Marchand, calling him “He’s a gamer. He’s a competitor. He brings so much energy to our team on and off the ice, and you saw that tonight.”Also Read: “2006, The rules changed” — The secret behind Brad Marchand’s playoff success, as per HC Paul MauriceFlorida’s win in Game 2 has evened the series and shifted momentum firmly in their favor. The Panthers demonstrated balanced scoring, with contributions from Sam Bennett and a stellar 42-save effort from goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. On the other side, Edmonton’s offense, fueled by Connor McDavid’s three assists, showed resilience but ultimately fell short.