Draisaitl Shines as Oilers Rally for Overtime Victory in Game 1 of 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Leon Draisaitl © Pinterest

In a heart-pounding Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on June 4, 2025, at Rogers Place, the Edmonton Oilers staged a dramatic 4-3 overtime comeback against the Florida Panthers, seizing a 1-0 series lead. Leading the charge was Leon Draisaitl, whose two goals—including the power-play overtime winner—earned him top honors on NHL.com’s performance grades. With standout contributions from Connor McDavid, Stuart Skinner, and others, Edmonton showcased resilience, capitalizing on a raucous home atmosphere to outlast a formidable Panthers squad. This article dives into the key performers, fantasy hockey implications, and what Game 1 revealed about this thrilling rematch.

Draisaitl’s Heroics Set the Tone

Leon Draisaitl wasted no time igniting Rogers Place, scoring just 66 seconds into the game off a Kasperi Kapanen rebound, his eighth playoff goal and the fastest to open a Stanley Cup Final in nearly 50 years. The early strike set a frenetic pace, but it was his overtime heroics at 19:29 that sealed the victory. Capitalizing on a power-play opportunity after Florida’s Tomas Nosek took a delay-of-game penalty, Draisaitl buried a feed from McDavid, tying the NHL record for most overtime goals in a single postseason (three, matching Corey Perry and Matthew Tkachuk). His two goals brought his playoff total to 27 points, trailing only McDavid (28), making him a fantasy hockey juggernaut for points and goals. Draisaitl’s performance, unhampered by last year’s injuries, underscores his value as a clutch performer and a top fantasy pick.

Other Standout Performers

Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid’s playmaking brilliance was pivotal, as he set up Draisaitl’s overtime winner and Mattias Ekholm’s third-period equalizer at 6:33, tying the game at 3-3. His two assists boosted his playoff-leading 28 points, reinforcing his Conn Smythe candidacy (-140 odds). McDavid’s 142 speed bursts (20+ mph, per NHL EDGE) and precise passing make him a fantasy must-have for assists and shots on goal (SOG), with a Game 1 prop bet of over 2.5 SOG (-115) proving savvy.

Stuart Skinner, G, Edmonton Oilers

After conceding three goals on Florida’s first eight shots, including Sam Bennett’s second at 2:00 of the second period, Skinner locked in, stopping 24 consecutive shots, including 16 in the second period when Florida outshot Edmonton 17-8. His 29 saves, including a critical stop in overtime’s opening minute, earned fan chants of “Stuuuu!” Skinner’s resilience makes him a fantasy streaming option for wins and saves, especially at home.

Sam Bennett, F, Florida Panthers

Bennett countered Draisaitl’s opener with two goals, including a controversial first-period tip-in that survived Edmonton’s goaltender interference challenge and a second at 2:00 of the second, setting a Panthers playoff record with 12 goals. His 11 road goals tied an NHL record, making him a fantasy standout for goals and physicality (51 hits in Game 1). Despite the loss, Bennett’s prop bet for over 0.5 points (+160) delivered value.

Brad Marchand, F, Florida Panthers

Marchand, acquired from Boston, capitalized on the power play following Edmonton’s failed challenge, scoring at 12:30 of the first to give Florida a 2-1 lead. His fifth playoff goal quieted the 113.6-decibel Rogers Place crowd, the loudest Cup Final opener in Canada since 2011. Marchand’s 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) and 40.1 miles of skating distance (95th percentile, NHL EDGE) make him a fantasy gem for points and SOG.

Stock Watch: Rising Stars and Trends

• Jake Walman, D, Edmonton Oilers: Despite blocking a shot late in the first period and appearing injured, Walman logged an assist and five SOG, showcasing grit. His defensive play and offensive upside make him a fantasy sleeper for blocks and shots.
• Nate Schmidt, D, Florida Panthers: Schmidt’s two primary assists on Marchand’s and Bennett’s goals highlighted his playmaking. His contributions elevate his fantasy value for assists among depth defenders.
• Oilers’ Power Play: After going 0-for-3 through regulation, Edmonton’s power play (29.6% playoff efficiency) delivered in overtime, with Draisaitl’s winner. Fantasy managers should target Oilers’ power-play contributors like McDavid and Evan Bouchard for points.
• Physicality: Both teams combined for 102 hits, with Evander Kane leading with nine. Kane’s physical edge (94th percentile for midrange SOG) makes him a fantasy asset for hits and shots, with a Game 1 prop of 3+ SOG (+110) hitting.

Key Takeaways from Game 1

Panthers’ Rare Collapse

Florida entered Game 1 with a 31-0 playoff record under coach Paul Maurice when leading after the first or second period, including 10-0 this postseason with a third-period lead. Edmonton’s comeback, their third multi-goal rally of the playoffs, snapped that streak, tying a franchise record set in 1988 and 1990. The Panthers’ inability to close out, as Bennett noted, suggests a need for tighter defensive play in Game 2.

Oilers’ Relentless Spirit

Edmonton’s rally from a 3-1 deficit showcased their never-quit mentality, fueled by McDavid’s leadership and Skinner’s goaltending. Outshooting Florida 24-8 in the third period and overtime, the Oilers leveraged home-ice advantage (7-2 record, +12 goal differential). Their 41st multi-goal comeback in Cup Final history bodes well for fantasy managers banking on their offensive firepower.

Fantasy Hockey Implications

Game 1 reinforced Draisaitl and McDavid as elite fantasy picks, with Draisaitl’s multi-goal game (27 points) and McDavid’s assists (28 points) driving rosters. Skinner’s save volume (29) offers value for goaltending categories, while Bennett and Marchand remain must-starts for Panthers’ exposure. Kane’s physicality and Walman’s blocks provide depth options. With Game 2 looming on June 6, 2025, in Edmonton, fantasy managers should prioritize Oilers’ home performers and monitor Florida’s response, as teams winning Game 1 have a 76.5% Cup-winning rate historically.

Conclusion

Leon Draisaitl’s electrifying performance in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, punctuated by his record-tying overtime winner, propelled the Oilers to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Panthers. Supported by McDavid’s playmaking, Skinner’s goaltending, and a physical team effort, Edmonton seized early momentum in this rematch. For fantasy hockey enthusiasts, Draisaitl’s heroics and the game’s standout performances offer clear roster priorities. As the series unfolds, the Oilers’ resilience and the Panthers’ adjustments promise an epic battle, with Draisaitl leading the charge toward Edmonton’s first Cup since 1990.

Source: article by Tracey Myers on nhl.com, published on June 4th, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer