In a thrilling Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, Brad Marchand delivered the knockout blow as the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-4 in double overtime Friday night, tying the series at one game apiece.
Known for his playoff heroics, Marchand lived up to his reputation once again. His game-winner came 8:05 into the second overtime when he broke free on a partial breakaway, collected a pass from Anton Lundell, and slid a backhand shot through the pads of Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. After the game, he revealed his state of mind at that point.
Brad Marchand Didn’t Know Where His Shot Was Going
“To be honest, I blacked out,” Marchand told TNT after the game. “I don’t even know where it went. Obviously, a fortuitous bounce, and we’ll take it.” Earlier in the game, Marchand had already made history.
His shorthanded goal in the second period gave Florida a 4-3 lead and marked him as the first player in Stanley Cup Final history to score both a shorthanded and an overtime goal in the same game. With his two goals, Marchand now has 10 career Stanley Cup Final goals, the most among active NHL players.
Did Marchand hit the puck in on the game-winner or was it a “phantom backhand?”
“To be honest, I blacked out. I don’t even know where it went.” https://t.co/MPTF7zotPz pic.twitter.com/B2tDIFd28R
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 7, 2025
The 37-year-old winger, acquired by Florida at the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, has seamlessly integrated into the Panthers’ lineup. So far this postseason, Marchand has tallied seven goals and 10 assists through 19 games, proving pivotal in Florida’s deep playoff run.
Game 2 Was a Tough Battle With Both Teams Fighting Their Hearts Out
Friday’s contest was a back-and-forth battle filled with drama and momentum swings. Florida struck first just 2:17 into the game when Sam Bennett scored a power-play goal, his 13th of the playoffs. That goal set a new NHL record for most road goals in a single playoff run, surpassing a mark previously held by Joe Sakic.
Edmonton quickly responded with back-to-back goals from Evander Kane and Evan Bouchard, grabbing a 2-1 lead. However, Seth Jones equalized for the Panthers midway through the second period before Leon Draisaitl restored Edmonton’s advantage with a power-play goal.
The Panthers rallied again, with Dmitry Kulikov tying the game before Marchand’s shorthanded tally put Florida ahead. With just 17.8 seconds left in regulation, veteran forward Corey Perry forced overtime for Edmonton, poking in a rebound to knot the score at 4-4 and electrify the crowd at Rogers Place.
Both goaltenders delivered standout performances in the marathon matchup. Sergei Bobrovsky turned aside 42 of 46 shots for the Panthers, showing poise during multiple Edmonton surges. Skinner, meanwhile, made 39 saves in a losing effort but was peppered in both overtime periods as Florida pressed hard for the winner.
BRAD MARCHAND IS A FLORIDA PANTHER pic.twitter.com/jdMCqethLA
— x – Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 7, 2025
Marchand emphasized Florida’s resilience afterward: “We have so many different leaders on the team that can manage different situations,” he said. “We definitely have that confidence in our group that we can be resilient in situations.”
With the series now even, the Final shifts to Amerant Bank Arena in Florida for Game 3 on Monday night. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance and vulnerabilities, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested remainder of the series.
For the Panthers, Marchand’s leadership and clutch scoring could prove the difference as they look to defend their Stanley Cup title this year.
