Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final went to the Edmonton Oilers with a thrilling 4-3 overtime goal from Leon Draisaitl, securing the win over the Florida Panthers. The goal was especially significant because Draisaitl did not score in last year’s final against the Panthers.
But in Game 1, Draisaitl scored the first goal for the Oilers and the game-winning goal. His heroics have generated praise from fans, evaluators, and even NHL Hall of Famers.
Chris Pronger’s Thoughts on Game One
One NHL Hall of Famer impressed by Draisaitl is Chris Pronger. The former Oiler often chimes in on the league, so it’s no surprise that he was watching Game 1. After the game, he posted on X his reaction and insights regarding the thrilling Edmonton victory.
#LetsGoOilers with a dominant OT and Draisaitl with the PPG finish off a McDavid pass. What a game! What a comeback! The Oilers grinded and made mince meat of a normally very aggressive Panthers team in Game 1. They will need more of the same in Game 2
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) June 5, 2025
In another post, Pronger praised the puck movement, passing, and camaraderie between Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Draisaitl and McDavid are not only the best two players on the Oilers, but perhaps are the best players in the NHL. The duo will have to step up and keep playing well for Edmonton to win the cup this year and break a long drought.
Chris Pronger Background
Pronger won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the National Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player for the 1999-2000 season. He joined the Oilers in 2005, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in the 2005-06 season. In that series, Pronger also became the first player in NHL history to score a penalty shot goal that far into the playoffs.
Still hold this NHL Record. Crazy to think but probably speaks to there not being very many penalty shots in the Stanley Cup Final. #StanleyCup https://t.co/MLVJpeeA3N
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) June 5, 2025
He requested a trade after that season and was sent to the Anaheim Ducks, where Pronger played from 2006-09. He concluded his NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers and retired in 2012.
Despite making history with the Oilers, Pronger is also well-connected to the Panthers. In 2017, he joined Florida as a senior advisor to then-President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon. One year later, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations.
This lasted until July 2020, when he stepped out of the league to focus on his family.
The Oilers will host Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday at 8 p.m. in Edmonton.
