Sergei BobROBsky Steals Game 1 in Florida
A 33 save shutout highlighted a monster night for the Panthers’ 33 year old goaltender as Sergei Bobrovsky became the oldest netminder in NHL history to open a Stanley Cup Final with a Game 1 shutout. A hot start offensively matched with a career night between the pipes led Florida to a 3–0 victory, taking a 1–0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers.
Carter Verhaeghe got the arena jumping almost immediately, netting the first goal of the finals on a 3-on-2 rush with Aleksander Barkov 3:59 into the opening period. The Panthers’ aggressive forecheck and fast transition style was able to catch Connor McDavid’s line pinching up ice to transition with numbers.
Once again, the Panthers established a hot start in the second period, extending their lead 2:16 in thanks to Evan Rodrigues. Sam Bennett exerted an impressive burst to chase down his own dump, beating Cody Ceci, then quickly centered a pass to Rodrigues who was wide open to bury the shot. Bobrovsky electrified the crowd making a cartwheel save on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, kicking his feet up as he slid across the crease following a stop on Leon Draisaitl’s power play shot.
Eetu Loustarinen capped off the night with an empty net goal as rats cascaded from the rafters, serenaded by chants of “BOBBY! BOBBY!” The Panthers were outshot 32–18, but their lockdown defense pinched away the clock on Edmonton’s top line.
Connor McDavid’s Stanley Cup Final debut was held scoreless after seeing 25:19 of ice time, second on the team to Evan Bouchard who played 27:17. Edmonton heavily shortened their bench in the third period relying on the top line which reunited McDavid and Draisaitl alongside Zach Hyman.
The Oilers special teams have been the backbone of their run to the Stanley Cup Final, converting on nearly 35 percent of their power plays and closing in on a postseason record for consecutive successful penalty kills. Florida surrendered three power play opportunities to Edmonton’s NHL leading unit, and the Panthers penalty kill held up all three. The Oilers were short handed twice during the game, and extended their kill streak to 30, two short of tying the all-time NHL postseason record of 32 consecutive kills.
Game 2 Implications
The Oilers now have their backs against the wall entering Game 2, trying to avoid falling behind 2–0 in the series. Only five teams have survived a two game deficit to open a Cup Final and come back to win the series: 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, 1966 Montreal Canadiens, 1971 Montreal Canadiens, 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins, and 2011 Boston Bruins.
Throughout this year’s playoffs, the Oilers and Panthers have struck at different times. Edmonton poises aggressive starts, outscoring opponents 23–10 through the playoffs prior to Game 1. The Panthers are dominant late in games, 66–0–4 in their last 70 games when leading after two periods while outscoring opponents 23–10 prior to Game 1 during the 2024 postseason.
One major question mark surrounds the endurance of Edmonton’s stars. There is no question about the high skill level, but after five skaters served over 19:30 time on ice in Game 1 can those leaders maintain their high speed offensive pressure? Florida is touted for roster depth and their ability to roll lines, where the Oilers seem less confident in trusting their bottom six who have not been overly point productive throughout the playoffs.
The power play will be a critical factor on the result. Florida will seek disciplined performance to keep the play 5-on-5. The Oilers need to convert on the advantage and use their speed and skill to generate penalties against the Panthers. McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Bouchard were held off the stat sheet, other than a negative +/-, and will look to use any power play chances to surge a quick start onto the scoreboard in the first period.
Game 2 Lineup Changes
The Oilers have decided to look to Vincent Desharnais to replace Cody Ceci as Darnell Nurse’s defensive partner. Sam Carrick will both be game-time decisions as they are battling with an injury.
Oilers’ head coach, Knoblauch, is no stranger to shaking things up in his lineup. He has his players bought into his system and the trust is more than apparent across the board with giving his players a chance to produce and ultimately, win. It displays how well he has been with the Oilers organization in less than a year of experience at the NHL level under his belt.
Game 2 Predictions from the Fifth Liners team:
Casey Ditzel: Florida 2–4 Edmonton
Jorge Bannister: Florida 3–1 Edmonton
Khalin Kapoor: Florida 4–3 Edmonton (F/OT)
Jenna Bonomo: Florida 4–2 Edmonton
Matt Leonardo: Florida 2–3 Edmonton
Nick Kozsan: Florida 2–1 Edmonton (F/OT)
Article written by Casey Ditzel (featuring; Nick Kozsan)
