- Historic Performance: Brad Marchand, 37, becomes the oldest player to score in the first three games of a Stanley Cup Final. He leads Florida’s offensive charge with four goals in the series.
- Oilers’ Meltdown: Edmonton’s frustration explodes into a chaotic third-period brawl. This results in 80 penalty minutes and costly misconducts as the game spirals out of control.
- Series Control: The Panthers seize a 2-1 lead with relentless scoring (including five power-play goals in the series). Their suffocating defense leaves the Oilers searching for answers.
The Florida Panthers are one step closer to hockey immortality after a crushing 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. But the lopsided score only tells half the story. The real drama unfolded in the final minutes as frustration boiled over into a full-blown brawl. It left fans buzzing and analysts questioning whether the Oilers have any fight left in them—literally or figuratively.
With the win, the Panthers now lead the series 2-1, putting them firmly in control as they chase back-to-back championships. And at the heart of their dominance? A 37-year-old veteran who refuses to act his age.
Brad Marchand Writes His Name in the History Books
Brad Marchand isn’t just playing in this series—he’s rewriting the record books. Just 54 seconds into Game 3, the ageless winger fired home his fourth goal of the finals. This set the tone for another Florida rout. In doing so, he became the oldest player ever to score in each of the first three games of a Stanley Cup Final.
For a guy who was supposed to be past his prime, Marchand is playing like a man possessed. With eight playoff goals and 17 points so far, he’s proving that age really is just a number. For the Panthers, his leadership has been just as valuable as his scoring. Acquired at the trade deadline from Boston, Marchand was a gamble. This was especially true since he was injured at the time. But Florida’s front office bet big by sending a first-round pick to the Bruins. Now that decision looks like pure genius.
The Panthers’ Offensive Onslaught
After Marchand’s early strike, the Panthers kept their foot on the gas. Carter Verhaeghe doubled the lead late in the first period with a power-play goal. This silenced the Edmonton faithful who had hoped home ice might swing momentum their way.
The Oilers briefly showed signs of life when Corey Perry cut the deficit to 2-1 just 1:40 into the second period. But any hope of a comeback was quickly snuffed out. Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett responded with back-to-back goals. This stretched Florida’s lead to 4-1 by the end of the period. Bennett, in particular, has been a revelation—his fourth goal of the finals tied him with Marchand for the team lead. Also, his 14th of the postseason leads the entire league.
By the time Aaron Ekblad buried another power-play goal in the third period, the game was effectively over. But the real fireworks were just beginning.
Oilers’ Meltdown Turns Ugly
As the clock wound down, Edmonton’s frustration reached a breaking point. Sam Bennett, already public enemy number one in Edmonton after a controversial hit earlier in the series, became the target of the Oilers’ rage. Trent Frederic took a two-handed slash at Bennett’s ribs. This snapped his stick in the process and earned himself a trip to the penalty box.
That was just the start. Seconds later, gloves were off, sticks were dropped, and nearly every skater on the ice was tangled up in a full-line brawl. When the dust settled, the referees had handed out a staggering 80 penalty minutes.
But the Oilers weren’t done. Evander Kane, no stranger to controversy, earned a 10-minute misconduct for slashing Verhaeghe while the Panthers forward was sprawled on the ice. Then, in a final act of desperation, two Edmonton players ganged up on Matthew Tkachuk behind the net. This sparked yet another scrum.
The Panthers, ever the opportunists, made them pay. Evan Rodrigues cashed in on the ensuing power play, burying Edmonton even deeper at 6-1.
Déjà Vu for the Oilers?
For Oilers fans, this must feel like a nightmare on repeat. Just last year, Florida defeated Edmonton in a grueling seven-game series to claim the Cup. Now, with the Panthers up 2-1 and looking even stronger than before, the Oilers are running out of answers.
Connor McDavid, the league’s most electrifying player, has been held in check for much of this series. Edmonton’s power play, usually a lethal weapon, has been neutralized. And their physical approach in Game 3 backfired spectacularly, handing Florida even more momentum.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are rolling. Their power play has been nearly unstoppable, converting five times in the series so far. Their depth scoring has been relentless. And their veteran leadership—from Marchand to Tkachuk to Aleksander Barkov—has kept them composed even when things got chippy.
What’s Next?
Game 4 is set for Thursday in Sunrise, and the pressure is squarely on Edmonton. Another loss would put them on the brink of elimination. If their meltdown in Game 3 is any indication, their composure is already hanging by a thread.
For Florida, the mission is simple: keep doing what they’re doing. They’ve outplayed, outmuscled, and outsmarted the Oilers at nearly every turn. If they can steal one more game on home ice, they’ll head back to Edmonton with a chance to clinch the Cup in front of a hostile crowd.
As for Marchand? He’s playing like a man who knows time is running out. With his contract expiring at season’s end, another championship would be the perfect way to head into free agency. If he keeps scoring at this rate, the Panthers might just hand him the Conn Smythe Trophy along the way.
One thing’s for sure—this series is far from over. But if Game 3 proved anything, it’s that the Panthers aren’t just winning. They’re breaking the Oilers’ will. And that might be the most dangerous sign of all.
