Following the Florida Panthers’ 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, many expected the Oilers to start Game 2 with vigor. They did, with Mattias Ekholm scoring the team’s first goal of the series.
From then on, it was all Panthers.
Evan Rodrigues netted two goals, Florida held Edmonton to just 19 shots on goal, and the Oilers’ renowned power play failed to score once again.
Here’s what stood out in Florida’s second consecutive win, key players to watch in Game 3 on Thursday (8 p.m. ET, ABC and ESPN+), and the pressing questions ahead.
Panthers grade: A
Florida delivered a near-perfect performance in Game 2. Edmonton was limited to seven shots on goal through the first two periods, compared to 22 from Florida, as the Panthers’ top units dominated the Oilers’ best players.
The Panthers were relentless from the start, preventing Edmonton from gaining any significant momentum even after the Oilers’ 4-on-4 goal. Florida capitalized on every Edmonton error, such as Evan Bouchard’s costly turnover that led to Rodrigues’ game-winning goal. The Oilers struggled to recover, and as they tried to regroup, Florida settled into a strong rhythm and controlled the game’s pace.
Edmonton’s frustration was evident by the end, and Florida maintained pressure until the final whistle. It’s challenging to see what could halt the Panthers’ momentum now.
Oilers grade: D
The Oilers faced multiple issues in Game 2.
They were held to seven shots through the first two periods, tying a record for the fewest shots in the first two periods of a Stanley Cup Final game. They didn’t surpass ten shots until there was 16:05 left in the third period.
Even when they managed 12 shots in the final period, they conceded two goals before the Panthers scored an empty-netter late in the third. Notably, they had a 71% shot share in the third period during 5-on-5 play.
Additionally, they struggled to protect Stuart Skinner. Despite Edmonton’s efforts to limit opponents, Skinner has shown he can handle a heavier workload, but this game marked a drop to 5-2 in games where he faced more than 25 shots this postseason.
What we learned in Game 2
The Panthers have depth for days
Florida’s power play went 1-for-6 against Edmonton’s strong penalty kill, which had killed 34 straight man-advantage attempts until Rodrigues’ third-period power-play goal. The Panthers’ roster is filled with players who can make a difference on any line.
Rodrigues scored twice, while defenseman Niko Mikkola added another goal, setting Florida on a clear path to victory. Florida’s talent extends across all lines and pairings, contributing to their success even when special teams or their goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, aren’t flawless. Florida’s performance in Game 2 showcased their well-rounded strength.
There’s a disconnect with the Oilers
The Oilers have shown resilience in bouncing back from losses throughout the playoffs. They lost Game 2 to the Los Angeles Kings in overtime but won three straight to clinch the series in five games. They consistently made necessary adjustments in previous series.
However, now trailing 2-0 in the Cup Final, the Oilers face a critical juncture: either they reduce the series deficit to 2-1 or risk a 3-0 hole and potential sweep on home ice in Game 4.
The Oilers’ strongest bet for secondary offense could be their defensemen
In Game 1, 52% of Edmonton’s shots came from Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Connor McDavid. In Game 2, the Oilers’ defensemen were responsible for 13 of the team’s 19 shots on goal, with Mattias Ekholm, Brett Kulak, Vincent Desharnais, and Bouchard leading the way.
Players to watch in Game 3
Matthew Tkachuk, F, Panthers
Tkachuk has yet to deliver a game-changing performance in the Cup Final. As the series shifts to Edmonton, the Panthers need their stars to step up, particularly with Aleksander Barkov’s status uncertain after a hit from Draisaitl. Tkachuk, familiar with Edmonton from his time with the Calgary Flames, could be pivotal in setting the tone.
Darnell Nurse, D, Oilers
Nurse’s availability for Game 3 is in question after he sustained an injury in the first period of Game 2. His presence and performance are crucial for Edmonton, especially given his struggles this postseason.
Big questions for Game 3
Will Barkov be available?
Florida benefits from the two-day break before Game 3, allowing more time to assess Barkov’s condition after his hit from Draisaitl. If Barkov is unavailable, the Panthers will rely heavily on Anton Lundell and other centers to fill the void.
What must happen for the Oilers to piece together a consistent performance?
The Oilers have shown flashes of strong play but have struggled to maintain consistency. With a history of making necessary adjustments under coach Kris Knoblauch, they now need to find the right combinations to overcome a 2-0 series deficit and avoid facing elimination on home ice in Game 4.
