Dec 16, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers defensemen Dmitry Kulikov (7) tries to tie up Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

nhl

Panthers vs Oilers in Thrilling Stanley Cup Finals Rematch

Florida Panthers secure a 6-5 victory over Edmonton Oilers in a high-octane clash, with Carter Verhaeghe scoring the game-winning goal.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers reminded everyone why they were the last two teams standing in the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs during their first meeting since that epic Finals showdown. In a thrilling and chaotic regular-season clash, the Panthers edged out the Oilers with a narrow 6-5 victory.

The game was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish. Heading into the third period, the Oilers held a one-goal lead, but the reigning champions controlled the final 20 minutes.

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers both needed a win in their Cup Final rematch but for different reasons.

The Panthers can exhale now as they make their way home. Last stop is Minnesota. ⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/CO1KMTukWu
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) December 17, 2024

Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe was the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning goal with about seven minutes remaining. Positioned perfectly in the offensive zone, Verhaeghe received a pass and buried a shot past Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner for his 10th goal of the season.

Despite the loss, the Oilers had plenty to celebrate. Star center Leon Draisaitl extended his streak of consecutive multipoint games to six with a goal and an assist, while captain Connor McDavid contributed three assists. New addition Kasperi Kapanen, claimed off waivers just weeks ago, scored his second goal in three games, tying the score at 5-5 in the third period with a clutch effort.

Both teams delivered a performance worthy of their Stanley Cup pedigree, setting the stage for what could be another memorable season.

Also Read: Breaking Down the Latest NHL Injuries: Impact on Teams and Players

Key Takeaways from Oilers Defeat to Panthers in Stanley Cup Rematch

Precisely 25 weeks following Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers matched up once more, as the 2024 finalists clashed on Monday (Dec. 16) at Rogers Place.

Revenge was a primary concern in Oil Country, where Edmonton’s defeat to the Panthers by 2-1 on June 24 continues to hurt. And for a short time on Monday, it seemed that vengeance would be achieved.

On Monday in Rogers Place, there was a painful feeling of déjà vu, but what stung the most for the home team and its supporters was that the Oilers defeated themselves due to error-laden and highly undisciplined behavior that handed the game to the Panthers. Here’s a glimpse:

Following his two goals on Monday, Hyman has recorded seven goals in six games since not being included in Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster, revealed on Dec. 3. Hyman is sharing the lead for the most goals in the NHL this month. However, he ought to have one more, as Oilers captain Connor McDavid executed an extraordinary pass that left Bobrovsky out of position, yet Hyman couldn’t convert what would have been the equalizing goal late in the third period.

The Florida Panthers rubbed salt in the wounds of the Edmonton Oilers, defeating them 6-5 in a wild affair on Monday. https://t.co/8p0tjDucM2
— Global Edmonton (@GlobalEdmonton) December 17, 2024

Blueliner Evan Bouchard is yet another Oilers player who did not secure a spot on the 4 Nations roster. On Monday, the hockey community understood precisely why Team Canada opted to leave out the Oakville, Ont., player. Bouchard is well-known for occasionally delivering, to be diplomatic, lackluster defensive displays.

The Oilers have largely come to terms with it, considering the trade-off is Bouchard’s exceptional offensive talent. However, Monday’s match was especially dreadful, even for his usual standards. The 25-year-old was somewhat responsible for three goals conceded. Bouchard’s mistakes led to Florida’s first and fourth goals, and he allowed Verhaeghe to go unchecked in the slot, where he netted the game-winning goal with 6:55 remaining.

In 2024, scoring five goals ought to suffice to secure a victory in an NHL game, even when facing the reigning Stanley Cup champions. In reality, this marked the first instance this season where a Western Conference team scored five or more goals at home and did not earn at least one point.

The Oilers were outscored 4-1 during the last 22:05 of the game. This occurred just two days after they were outscored 3-1 in the last 24:25 by the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place on Saturday (Dec. 14).

In the latter scenario, the Oilers established an unassailable 5-0 advantage that proved too great for Vegas to surmount. However, having a two-goal advantage over the Panthers with over a period remaining is anything but secure, as Edmonton discovered through tough experience.

In the last two games, the Oilers have achieved a plus seven goal differential during the initial 35 minutes and a minus-five goal differential in the last 25 minutes. This reflects a disturbing pattern from earlier in the season when they allowed a large number of goals in the third period. During their five-game winning streak, they maintained a plus-six goal differential in the third period.

Image Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Edmonton Oilers

Florida Panthers

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!