In the gripping landscape of the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have been locked in fierce competition, with both of the opening games culminating in overtime. This marks a historic moment, as it is only the sixth instance where the initial two games of the finals have gone into overtime, a phenomenon not seen since 2014. The Panthers’ Brad Marchand emerged as the hero of Game 2, sealing the win with a breakaway goal 8:07 into the second overtime. At the same time, Leon Draisaitl’s power-play goal in Game 1 pushed the Oilers ahead, ending the extra period in dramatic fashion.
Following the nail-biting finish of Game 2, Marchand and teammate Sam Bennett shared a lighter moment with the media. Bennett humorously referenced a viral moment from the Eastern Conference finals where Marchand mentioned enjoying a Dairy Queen treat between periods, which turned out to be a spoonful of honey. Despite the jest, these players, like many others, utilized every available opportunity to stay in peak form during the taxing double-overtime. Marchand, for instance, was seen pedaling on an exercise bike between periods to maintain his condition as players from both sides slowly cycled on and off the ice.
With the series tied 1-1, both teams are now headed south to Florida, gaining a much-needed day’s rest before Game 3 slated for Monday night in Sunrise, Florida. This brief respite comes after an intense start to the championship series, with Florida defenseman Seth Jones detailing the exhausting nature of the matchups. Jones has notably been a workhorse for Florida, leading the team’s ice time in the postseason and contributing significantly with a goal and an assist in Game 2.
Panthers’ coach Paul Maurice pointed out the mental benefit of returning home with the series level, emphasizing a culture of resilience and forward focus within the team. He praised his squad’s ability to reset and remain in the moment, a strategy contributing significantly to their competitive edge.
Meanwhile, the Oilers, with their swift-paced gameplay, reflected on the missed opportunities in Game 2. Corey Perry, whose clutch goal sent Game 2 into overtime, acknowledged the predictability of a tightly-contested series between two high-caliber teams. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid was pivotal, spending over 35 minutes in the intense contest and facilitating three key assists, including Draisaitl’s scoring play. His performance underscored his vital role and showcased his playmaking prowess.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming clash, they express the sentiment of pushing forward from past results. Draisaitl highlighted the importance of not dwelling on the outcome but instead focusing on the opportunity to recalibrate with the impending games ahead.