Stanley Cup Final Game 2: Oilers and Panthers all-set to seize the moment

Leon Draisaitl gave the Edmonton Oilers just what they needed in Game 1 with a big performance and a bigger finish. His overtime goal capped off a 4-3 comeback win over the Florida Panthers, setting the stage for a high-pressure Game 2 at Rogers Place.

As the Stanley Cup Final continues, both teams know what’s at stake.Both teams know Game 2 could shift the entire series.

Can Edmonton keep the edge or will Florida fire back?

Game 1 was a reminder that no lead is ever safe in the Stanley Cup Final. Florida controlled much of the early action, taking the lead through goals by Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett, who scored twice. For two periods, it looked like the Panthers might steal one on the road.Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring for Edmonton, breaking his Final scoring drought from last year.

Viktor Arvidsson added another, and defenseman Mattias Ekholm tied things up in the third period, giving the Oilers a fresh burst of energy when it mattered most. When Draisaitl buried the overtime winner, Rogers Place erupted—and so did the confidence of this Edmonton team.

Now comes Game 2, and it feels like a turning point. The Panthers don’t just want to win—they need to. Falling behind 2-0 in a best-of-seven series, especially with the next two games back in Florida, would make their climb even steeper.

They’ve shown they can score and control pace, but they’ll need to close stronger if they hope to even things up.Meanwhile, the Oilers are riding the kind of momentum that’s hard to slow down. With their home crowd behind them and star players stepping up, they know a 2-0 lead could shift the entire series in their favor.Also Read: With Sullivan gone and Muse in, Crosby’s loyalty faces the ultimate test amid Pittsburgh’s fading legacyGame 2 is scheduled for Friday, June 6, with puck drop at 8 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton. Fans in the United States can watch live on TNT or stream the game on Sling. Canadian viewers can catch the action on Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports, or stream via Fubo. For those who prefer radio, SiriusXM will have live coverage.