In a tightly contested Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid pulled off a moment of brilliance that turned heads across the hockey world. His pinpoint setup to Leon Draisaitl in the first period was not just another assist; it was a flash of elite-level vision, speed, and execution that reminded fans and former players why he’s considered one of a kind.
Connor McDavid’s Unmatched Skill on Full Display
With the score locked at 2-2, McDavid slipped past Aleksander Barkov and managed to beat Aaron Ekblad in open ice. He then fired a sharp cross-slot pass to Draisaitl, who didn’t miss. The one-timer gave Edmonton a 3-2 lead and sent Rogers Place into a frenzy.
Chris Pronger, a Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup winner, was among the many stunned by the play. Posting on social media, Pronger said he didn’t think most fans grasped how difficult McDavid’s move was, especially at full speed. “To see Draisaitl as he is toe dragging Ekblad but to then put the puck in his wheelhouse to onetime it is why he is one of one,” he wrote.
I do not think the casual hockey fan has any idea how incredibly difficult this was at warp speed. Not only to see Draisaitl as he is toe dragging Ekblad but to then put the puck in his wheelhouse to onetime it is why he is one of one. #Mcjesus #LetsGoOilers #stanleycup https://t.co/6El4wWI95B
— Chris Pronger (@chrispronger) June 8, 2025
Wayne Gretzky echoed those sentiments during the intermission broadcast. The Great One highlighted McDavid’s work ethic, unselfishness, and ability to lift his teammates. “He’s making every player around him even that much better now,” Gretzky said. “That’s the sign of a true superstar, and that’s why he’s the best player in the league.”
Despite McDavid’s highlight-reel assist and a clutch goal by Corey Perry that forced extra time, the Oilers couldn’t hold off Florida. The Panthers won 5-4 in double overtime, tying the series 1-1.
McDavid Magic Not Enough as Panthers Even Series
The first period was chaotic, with both teams finding the net multiple times. Edmonton took a 3-2 lead into the first intermission, largely thanks to McDavid’s two primary assists, including one to Evander Kane earlier on. With 31 points in 18 playoff games, McDavid remains the postseason leader in scoring.
Florida didn’t back down. Goals from Dmitry Kulikov and Brad Marchand midway through the second period gave the Panthers a 4-3 edge. The Oilers responded late, with Perry tying things up in the dying seconds of regulation.
But in double overtime, it was Marchand again, this time breaking free and finishing past Stuart Skinner to hand Florida the win. With that, the Panthers took back home-ice advantage as the series heads to Sunrise for Game 3 on Monday.
Brad Marchand – Florida Panthers (7)*
OT Winner pic.twitter.com/bwPHfgorcY— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) June 7, 2025
The loss doesn’t take away from McDavid’s impact, though. His ability to change the pace of a game in an instant continues to stand out, even in the Stanley Cup Final. Whether or not the Oilers can regroup on the road, McDavid’s unreal setup will be remembered as one of the tournament’s defining plays.