Marchand, Bennett Fuel Panthers’ Dominant Game 3 Win Over Oilers in Stanley Cup Final

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The Florida Panthers seized control of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with a commanding 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series. Leading the charge were forward Brad Marchand and center Sam Bennett, whose relentless scoring and physicality set the tone for Florida’s most dominant performance yet. As the series shifts to Game 4 on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; MAX, truTV, TNT, SN, TVAS, CBC), the Panthers’ dynamic duo has Edmonton scrambling to respond.

Marchand’s Historic Start Ignites Panthers

Brad Marchand wasted no time electrifying the South Florida crowd, scoring just 56 seconds into Game 3 to give Florida a 1-0 lead. The goal marked a historic milestone: Marchand became the first player in NHL history to score an overtime winner (his double-overtime goal in Game 2) and then score in the opening minute of the following game in a Stanley Cup Final. His four goals through the series’ first three games underscore his clutch reputation, with the 37-year-old veteran thriving in his first Final with the Panthers after a trade from Boston. “He’s a gamer,” teammate Seth Jones said of Marchand’s energy, which has galvanized Florida’s lineup.

Marchand’s impact extends beyond the scoresheet. His agitating style, honed over years as a Bruins antagonist, has gotten under Edmonton’s skin, as evidenced by Evander Kane’s multiple penalties, including a high-stick on Marchand. Paired with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, Marchand’s third line has been a playoff revelation, averaging over three points per game on the road and delivering relentless pressure. His leadership, praised by Bennett as “incredible,” has elevated Florida’s intensity, making him a linchpin in their quest for back-to-back titles.

Bennett’s Physicality and Scoring Prowess

Sam Bennett continued his postseason tear, cementing his status as the NHL’s leading playoff goal scorer with his 14th goal in Game 3. His breakaway tally at 7:26 of the second period, following thunderous hits on Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin and defenseman John Klingberg, epitomized his blend of physicality and skill. The goal, assisted by Eetu Luostarinen’s steal, extended Bennett’s goal streak to four games, a Panthers playoff record, and pushed his road goal total to 12, an NHL record. “He’s built for this time of year,” Marchand said, noting Bennett’s ability to “score off nothing” and dominate physically.

Bennett’s monster shift—two crushing hits and a goal in 13 seconds—swung momentum decisively, as Florida surged to a 4-1 lead. His 16 playoff points tie him with Matthew Tkachuk for second on the team, trailing only Aleksander Barkov’s 17. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Bennett’s Conn Smythe-caliber performance is boosting his value, with analysts comparing his impact to recent high-value contracts like Brock Nelson’s $7.5 million deal. His physical edge, combined with linemates Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, has overwhelmed Edmonton’s defense, which struggled to contain Florida’s forecheck.

Supporting Cast Shines, Oilers Falter

Sergei Bobrovsky anchored Florida’s dominance with 32 saves on 33 shots, including a highlight-reel stop on Adam Henrique’s tip-in at 5:02 of the first period. His .912 save percentage and 2.11 GAA make him a Conn Smythe frontrunner, with his 58th playoff win surpassing Tuukka Rask for 18th in NHL history. Defenseman Nate Schmidt added an assist, extending his three-game assist streak, a feat achieved by only seven other defensemen in the expansion era. Aaron Ekblad’s power-play goal in the third sealed Edmonton’s fate, chasing goaltender Stuart Skinner after five goals on 23 shots.

For Edmonton, Corey Perry provided a lone bright spot, scoring a power-play goal at 1:40 of the second to cut Florida’s lead to 2-1. His five-game point streak (four goals, two assists) and status as the third player aged 40 or older to score multiple Cup Final goals highlight his veteran savvy. Evan Bouchard led all skaters with nine shots and assisted Perry’s goal, but his defensive lapses, including Marchand’s breakaway in Game 2, drew scrutiny. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, typically Edmonton’s catalysts, were held pointless, with McDavid’s open-ice hit from Ekblad symbolizing Florida’s physical edge.

Discipline and Atmosphere Define Game 3

The game’s intensity boiled over, with eight first-period penalties escalating into a third-period brawl sparked by Trent Frederic’s cross-check on Bennett. Misconducts sidelined six players, and Edmonton’s Evander Kane, who took three penalties including a game misconduct, epitomized the Oilers’ unraveling discipline. “Penalty chaos” reigned, with Florida capitalizing on three of 11 power plays while Edmonton went 1-for-4. The Oilers’ offensive-zone penalties, including Kane’s cross-check on Gustav Forsling, disrupted their momentum, a trend coach Kris Knoblauch must address.

The pregame atmosphere, amplified by DJ Khaled and Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo, set a raucous tone, with fans chanting “Let’s Go Panthers.” Florida’s 4-3 home playoff record improved with this statement win, dispelling concerns about their Amerant Bank Arena struggles. X posts celebrated Marchand’s early goal, with @NHL calling him “GUESS WHO,” reflecting fan excitement over Florida’s fast start.

Lessons and Looking Ahead

For Edmonton, Game 3 was a stark contrast to the overtime thrillers of Games 1 and 2. Reuniting McDavid and Draisaitl failed to spark offense, and Skinner’s struggles—20 goals allowed in four playoff losses—raise questions about goaltending stability. Knoblauch remains confident, noting, “We’ve won a lot of games on the road,” but the Oilers’ 6-3 road playoff record faces a test in Game 4. The team’s resilience, evident in three straight wins after trailing 3-0 last year, will be crucial.

Florida, meanwhile, showcased why they’re a juggernaut. Their depth, with seven defensemen scoring this postseason and a third line rivaling top units, overwhelmed Edmonton. Marchand and Bennett’s synergy—joked by Marchand as “BS” a year ago—has become a series-defining force. However, Florida’s penalty-prone play, including Lundell’s roughing call, risks giving Edmonton’s lethal power play (56% at home) opportunities to rebound. Coach Paul Maurice’s emphasis on consistency, “We don’t change our game,” will be key to maintaining their edge.

Conclusion

Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett’s scorching performances powered the Florida Panthers to a 6-1 rout in Game 3, giving them a 2-1 series lead and home-ice momentum. Marchand’s historic scoring and Bennett’s record-breaking physicality, backed by Bobrovsky’s brilliance and a deep roster, exposed Edmonton’s vulnerabilities. As the Oilers regroup, Florida’s dynamic duo has set a high bar, making Game 4 a pivotal test in this gripping Stanley Cup Final rematch. With Panther fans roaring, the stage is set for another intense clash.

Source: article by Tracey Myers on nhl.com, published June 9, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer