If you thought Game 1 was wild, Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final blew the doors wide open. Brad Marchand played the hero under the spotlight, not once—but twice—netting two huge goals, including the game-winner in double overtime. With the score tied at 4-4, Marchand found himself on a breakaway and coolly slid a backhand through Stuart Skinner’s pads, sealing a 5-4 win for the Florida Panthers and tying the series 1-1.
“It’s a long battle, but we came here to split, and we got it,” said Panthers defenseman Seth Jones. And what a battle it was.
Back-and-Forth Action from the Drop
The Panthers wasted no time setting the tone. Just 2:07 into the game, Sam Bennett capitalized on a power play—his 13th goal of the playoffs and a new NHL record for road goals in a single postseason.
But Edmonton hit back hard. Evander Kane responded with a slick breakaway goal, and Evan Bouchard followed up just minutes later with a long-range strike to give the Oilers a 2-1 lead. The teams kept trading punches, with Seth Jones tying it up, only for Leon Draisaitl to edge the Oilers back ahead 3-2 by the end of the frantic first period.
That high-octane first frame? The most goals in a Cup Final opening period since 2016.
Kulikov, Marchand Flip the Script
Momentum swung again in the second. Dmitry Kulikov’s fluke shot—redirected off Bouchard and the post—tied the game 3-3. Then, in one of the game’s biggest moments, Marchand struck again with a shorthanded breakaway, sneaking one through Skinner to put Florida ahead 4-3 heading into the final frame.
Edmonton’s Late Equalizer Forces OT
Just when it looked like Florida would ride out the win, chaos erupted. With 18 seconds left and Skinner pulled, Corey Perry buried a loose puck in a frantic net-front scramble to force overtime.
Still, Florida didn’t flinch. “No one hung their heads,” said Evan Rodrigues. “We stayed loud. We stayed in it.”
Overtime Madness Ends with Marchand’s Magic
Florida had the best looks in the first overtime—Marchand rang one off the post, and Sam Reinhart missed a breakaway. But when the second OT rolled around, it was Marchand again, finishing with poise and sending Panthers fans into a frenzy.
Sergei Bobrovsky was stellar between the pipes, turning aside 42 shots to keep the Panthers in it. Skinner made 37 saves for the Oilers in the losing effort.
What’s Next?
With the series knotted 1-1, Game 3 shifts to Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Expect more fireworks when the puck drops Monday at 8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Final Thoughts
This series has all the makings of a classic. Momentum swings, elite plays, and overtime drama—Game 2 proved the Stanley Cup Final is far from over. With both teams trading blows and refusing to back down, hockey fans everywhere are in for one unforgettable ride.
