In an exhilarating Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, veteran winger Brad Marchand showcased his enduring talent by scoring two breakaway goals, including the double overtime winner, leading the Florida Panthers to a 5-4 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. The win equalizes the series at 1-1 as it heads to Sunrise, Florida, for Game 3 on Monday.
After the game, Marchand expressed his emotions, stating, “These are the opportunities that you dream of as a kid and the moments that you wish you’d hold on to forever... You want to hold on to it for as long as you possibly can.” The 37-year-old is seeking to lift the Stanley Cup 14 years after claiming it with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He displayed remarkable agility on the ice, competing effectively against younger players.
In double overtime, Marchand anticipated a play before Edmonton's defenceman Evan Bouchard, intercepting a pass from Anton Lundell at center ice. He capitalized on the opportunity, driving towards the net and beating Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner with a backhand shot that barely crossed the goal line. This pivotal moment took place with Marchand’s parents present in the arena, enhancing the sweetness of his victory.
Earlier in the game, Marchand also scored a short-handed breakaway goal in the second period, putting the Panthers ahead 4-3. His first goal came after he read the play ahead of his opponents, further solidifying his status as a pivotal player in this high-stakes matchup.
‘Scorey’ Perry Sends Game to Overtime
Despite Marchand's brilliance, Edmonton's Corey Perry had other plans. The Oilers' veteran, who turned 40 last month, scored with just 18 seconds left in the third period, bringing the game to overtime. Perry outmuscled Eetu Luostarinen for a loose puck that emerged from a deflected shot by Jake Walman, tying the game and sending Rogers Place into a frenzy.
Perry’s goal was made possible by Connor McDavid, who provided the assist, marking one of three assists McDavid recorded in the game. However, while Perry's late-game heroics momentarily delayed the inevitable, it was ultimately Marchand’s performance that secured the Panthers’ victory.
Reflecting on the game, Perry acknowledged the challenge posed by Florida, stating, “They’re a good team. They’re going to push and push us to the max, and we’re going to push them to the max.” The Oilers are known for their resilience, having achieved seven comeback victories in this postseason.
Florida's goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, played a crucial role in preserving the game for his team, making 42 saves throughout the match. His performance was vital in the final minutes of the third period as he thwarted significant scoring chances from Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
In overtime, Florida appeared to be the more aggressive team, with Marchand having multiple scoring opportunities, including a shot that hit the post. Bobrovsky continuously denied Edmonton’s advances, while Skinner managed 37 saves for the Oilers.
Scoring Summary and Key Moments
Game 2 was marked by an action-packed first period that featured five goals scored in rapid succession. Sam Bennett opened the scoring for Florida with a power-play goal just 2:07 into the game, his record-setting 12th postseason road goal.
The Oilers quickly responded, with Evander Kane tying the game at 1-1, followed by a goal from Bouchard that put Edmonton ahead 2-1. However, Jones leveled the score for Florida, and Draisaitl restored the Oilers’ lead at 3-2 via a power-play goal before Florida surged with two more goals in the second period, setting the stage for the dramatic final moments and eventual overtime.
Ultimately, Marchand's standout performance and leadership were pivotal in Florida's critical victory, underscoring his importance to the team's quest for the Stanley Cup.
