Game One of the Stanley Cup Final proved that this series will live up to the hype. Hockey fans waited six days from the conclusion of the conference final matchups until puck drop and the game delivered. Three goals were scored in the first period, and the Florida Panthers took a 3-1 lead before the Edmonton Oilers battled back to force overtime.
Then came the delay of game penalty, giving the Oilers space to operate. If there’s one team that will make the most of that, it’s the Oilers, and their power play ended it with Connor McDavid finding a wide-open Leon Draisaitl in the slot. The comeback victory proved that they have the answers for anything the Panthers throw at them, and it’s why they have the edge in this series.
Oilers Speed Things Up & Their Offense Takes Over
It was noticeable how fast the first game was. Both teams were flying up the ice and moving the puck into the offensive zone with ease. Even when both teams got in on the forecheck, they were quick to the puck and looking for the next big play. Overall, Game One showed how the Oilers and Panthers are well-built and well-coached, knowing what to do in every situation and on every shift.
The Panthers got ahead early thanks to their puck movement. It’s how Brad Marchand found the puck with a wide-open net and how Sam Bennett earned a goal on a breakaway that gave the Panthers a 3-1 lead. They were the team pushing the pace and pressuring the Oilers to keep up.
Ultimately, it’s how the Oilers won the game. They created chaos at the net because of their speed and found open shots in the offensive zone thanks to quick passes. Draisaitl scored the first goal of the series after the Oilers peppered a few shots on the goal, and the puck found him on a rebound. He scored the game-winner with the offense applying a similar level of pressure while McDavid found him with a quick centering pass.
The Panthers tried beating the Oilers in a fast-paced game with offense leading the way. The Oilers responded and won that type of game. It’s why they must pivot with Game Two around the corner.
Panthers Must Win With Bennett Leading The Way
If there was one bright spot for the Panthers, it was how their second line stepped up. Bennett scored twice while Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk added three assists to the offense. The three forwards were moving the puck up the ice and pressuring the Oilers and their defense.
The reason Bennett is particularly the X-Factor in this series is because of the style he plays. He’s the physical center who can power his way to the net while also scoring in multiple ways. He’ll also allow Verhaeghe and Tkachuk to find open looks on the net and help the Panthers run up the score. Bennett was making a Conn Smythe case early in Game One, and it’s coming at a good time since he heads to free agency once the Final ends (someone will pay him a ton in the summer).
This type of series makes Aleksander Barkov’s absence from Game One surprising. He was a non-factor despite entering the series and the Panthers leader in points. The pace and the puck movement should make him a key part of the game and the series. However, he was left off the scoresheet in the first game. On the flip side, it speaks to how well McDavid, Draisaitl, and the Oilers forwards played on the defensive end of the ice. The Oilers chased down Barkov and limited the Panthers outside of the Bennett-led line.
Beyond Oilers Speed: Can Bobrovsky Steal a Game?
The other bright spot for the Panthers from the first game was Bobrovsky. He was lights out and kept the Panthers in the game even though he allowed four goals. The Oilers found plenty of great shots, and he blanked them, ending the night with 42 saves.
Bobrovsky proved that if there’s a goaltending duel at some point, he’ll have the advantage. Stuart Skinner also had a great night in the net but there’s still a gap between him and Bobrovsky, who proved that when needed, he can be an elite goaltender. Moreover, he can get the Panthers back into the series with a few more great performances.
The question is if Bobrovsky can win the Panthers a series? The short answer to that is no. Maybe last year, when his play in all four victories gave the team the series. Game One proved he’ll take over but only to a point. The defense in front of him must help out, something they didn’t do in the first game, allowing the Oilers to generate 46 shots and score four goals.
It’s what makes Game One feel like a monumental moment in the rematch. The Panthers had a chance to steal a game on the road, and they came up short. They had a lead in the third period and couldn’t seal the deal, something they’ve done throughout the playoffs. The Panthers threw a lot at the Oilers, who not only handled it, they took over the game and have the edge in the series. Many fans thought the Oilers entered this series stronger and Game One proved them correct.
Thanks Mike, great insight.
Hopefully the Panthers take control of game 2, not sure I can stand the Oilers winning it all. Flames should be ashamed the way they handled Bennett and Tkachuk, basically handing Florida 2 superstars. Talk about a huge mismanagement by Treliving and company.