Panthers vs Oilers Game 3

Florida Looks to Build on OT Thriller as Series Shifts to Sunrise

Game 2 Recap

The Florida Panthers bounced back in Game 2, edging the Oilers 5–4 in double overtime to even the Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece. In another high-event thriller, the lead changed hands multiple times before Brad Marchand played hero, netting the winner at 8:05 of the second OT.

Florida struck first on a Sam Bennett power-play goal just two minutes in, but Edmonton responded quickly with goals from Evander Kane and Evan Bouchard to take a 2–1 lead. The Panthers answered with a tally from Seth Jones, but Leon Draisaitl restored Edmonton’s lead on the man advantage just a minute later. Still, Florida kept coming Dmitry Kulikov tied it 3–3 in the second, and Marchand added a shorthanded goal minutes later to put the Panthers up 4–3.

Edmonton forced overtime in dramatic fashion when Corey Perry scored with just 18 seconds left in regulation, but Marchand sealed the win in the second OT with his second goal of the night off a feed from Anton Lundell.

Connor McDavid led Edmonton with three assists, while Evan Bouchard added a goal and two helpers. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 42 of 46 shots in the win (.913 SV%), and Stuart Skinner turned away 37 of 42 for Edmonton (.881 SV%).

Game 3 Preview

With the series tied, the Panthers head back to Sunrise, where they’ve gone 31–15–2 this season and thrive on home ice. Florida’s forecheck was more effective in Game 2, forcing turnovers and disrupting Edmonton’s transition game a key factor in slowing down the Oilers' pace.

Brad Marchand’s two-goal night, including the double-OT winner, gave Florida the spark it needed. Anton Lundell and Seth Jones have stepped up with key contributions, and the Barkov line continues to take on tough defensive minutes.

Despite back-to-back 46-shot performances, Edmonton has now allowed nine goals in two games. Their top-end skill is undeniable, but Florida’s structure, depth, and ability to win battles along the boards make them a dangerous playoff team, especially at home.

Best Bet: Florida Panthers ML -140

The Panthers proved in Game 2 they can hang with Edmonton’s speed and still control the outcome. With the crowd behind them and Bobrovsky settling in, Florida is in a strong spot to take a 2–1 lead. Back the Panthers to get it done at home.