The Stanley Cup 2025 is an absolute roller coaster with both the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers tied at 2-2, and partial credit for it goes to Leon Draisaitl for the sheer thrill in Thursday’s game.
Draisaitl stepped in right when the Oilers needed him the most and delivered what he excels in, a majestic overtime goal.
With that, the Oilers center got a final shot at the Stanley Cup, and an NHL record of the most overtime goals in a single postseason (4) etched to his name.
And that is just one part of what makes Draisaitl’s night against the Panthers so iconic.
“One of the most lacking elements of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals was that the Oilers’ stars just didn’t show up outside of Connor McDavid,” SB Nation’s James Dator explained.
“The Panthers successfully managed to contain Leon Draisaitl, removing one of Edmonton’s most important players — and in the end, Draisaitl and managed to get just five points in the series.
“This time he’s managing to thrive. Draisaitl has four goals and three assists, becoming the most important player on the ice for the Oilers in the series. Meanwhile, McDavid and Evan Bouchard are still showing up, and it’s giving the vibe that Edmonton’s star power might just be able to do it this time around.”
But the Panthers are not the ones to underestimate either. This time, the ball could fall in anyone’s court as both teams head to Edmonton to settle the record.
More than anything, the oozing rivalry between the two is what makes the next game even more interesting.
Add the Oilers’ desperation to finally make it this time, and we’ll have nothing less than another cutthroat one on Saturday.
Read the full article here