Oilers look to expand series lead over Panthers after thrilling Game 1 victory

The Edmonton Oilers will look to expand their series lead against the Florida Panthers on Friday after a riveting 4-3 overtime victory Wednesday. 

Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals is set for 6 p.m. MT/8 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton. 

The Oilers came from behind with three straight goals in Game 1, including Leon Draisatl’s power-play winner — his second of the night — on a slick passing play with 31 seconds left in overtime. 

The game was fast-paced and mean, with each team clocking 51 hits.

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner made 32 saves in front of the deafening hometown crowd, while busy Panthers netminder Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 46 of 50 shots.

Captain Connor McDavid and winger Kasperi Kapanen each recorded two assists in the victory, while Sam Bennett netted two goals for the Panthers. 

Last year’s series between the two teams went the full seven games, with Florida coming out on top.

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said after Game 1 that his club is better suited to face the Panthers this time around.

“We’re a more physical team,” he said. “We’re bigger, we’re stronger.”