Marchand, Bobrovsky Shine as Panthers Edge Oilers in Double OT Thriller in Game 2 of 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Brad Marchand © Pinterest

In a heart-pounding 5-4 double overtime victory on June 6, 2025, the Florida Panthers leveled the 2025 Stanley Cup Final series at 1-1 against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place, thanks to standout performances from Brad Marchand, Sergei Bobrovsky, and a gritty team effort. Game 2, a rematch of the 2024 Final won by Florida in seven games, showcased the Panthers’ resilience and depth, turning the tables after a Game 1 overtime loss. This article breaks down the top performers, key moments, and what the Panthers’ dramatic win means for the series, with insights for fantasy hockey enthusiasts.

Honor Roll: Panthers’ Stars Step Up

Brad Marchand: The Clutch Veteran

Brad Marchand, the 37-year-old forward acquired from the Boston Bruins on March 7, 2025, proved why he’s a playoff legend. Scoring twice in Game 2, Marchand etched his name in history by becoming the second player aged 37 or older to score in each of the first two games of a Stanley Cup Final. His first goal, a short-handed strike at 12:09 of the second period, gave Florida a 4-3 lead and marked his second career short-handed goal in a Final, 14 years after his first against Vancouver in 2011. The game-winner came at 8:05 of double overtime, a partial breakaway snipe that silenced the Edmonton crowd. Marchand’s five career playoff overtime goals, including this one, highlight his knack for big moments. For fantasy players, Marchand’s three goals in the Final (plus 10 assists in 18 playoff games) make him a must-start for goals (+100 for 2+ goals) and clutch points.

Sergei Bobrovsky: Playoff Bob’s Redemption

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, known as “Playoff Bob,” bounced back from a 42-save loss in Game 1 to deliver another 42-save masterpiece in Game 2, this time securing the win. His biggest stop came in double overtime, denying Oilers forward Kasperi Kapanen on a dangerous chance. Bobrovsky’s second consecutive game with 40+ saves underscores his elite status, with a 2.17 GAA and .912 save percentage in 18 playoff starts. After a shaky Game 4 in 2024’s Final (pulled after allowing five goals), Bobrovsky’s Game 2 performance reaffirmed his Conn Smythe candidacy (+375 odds). Fantasy managers banking on saves (projected over 24.5 at -110) and wins reaped rewards, as Bobrovsky outdueled Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner (2.49 GAA).

Sam Bennett: Road Warrior

Center Sam Bennett continued his postseason dominance, scoring his NHL-record 12th road goal of the playoffs, surpassing Mark Scheifele’s 2018 mark. Bennett’s goal at 2:00 of the second period, assisted by Nate Schmidt, extended Florida’s lead to 3-1 and marked his fifth consecutive road game with a goal, a Panthers record. His physicality and net-front presence, as noted on X, disrupted Edmonton’s defense. With 12 goals and 10 assists in 18 games, Bennett’s fantasy value soars for goals (+150 for 1+ goal) and hits, especially in leagues rewarding physical play.

Panthers’ Defense: Offensive Surge

Florida’s blue line chipped in offensively, a trend that continued from Game 1. Defenseman Seth Jones scored in the second period and added a secondary assist on Dmitry Kulikov’s goal, while Nate Schmidt recorded two assists for the second straight game. The Panthers’ defensemen have been pivotal, with Jones leading the team at 24:59 average ice time and a +9 rating. For fantasy players, Jones (+50 for points) and Schmidt (+75 for assists) offer value in deeper leagues, especially with Florida’s 51 road goals setting a playoff record.

Stock Watch: Game 2 Trends

• McDavid-Draisaitl Connection (Oilers): Edmonton’s superstars, Connor McDavid (three assists) and Leon Draisaitl (power-play goal), were electric, combining for Evan Bouchard’s first-period goal and Draisaitl’s 3-2 tally. Their late-second-period reunion on the same line sparked Edmonton’s rally, trailing 4-3. Fantasy owners of McDavid (-175 Conn Smythe favorite) and Draisaitl (+450) cashed in on points (+200 for 3+ points).
• Oilers’ Special Teams: Edmonton struggled, going 1-for-6 on the power play and allowing Marchand’s short-handed goal. Their 3-for-4 penalty kill was solid but couldn’t offset the miscues, dimming fantasy value for power-play specialists like Evan Bouchard (three points).
• Emotions Run High: The game’s intensity was palpable, with scrums at every turn, reflecting the “snarl and angst” of a Final rematch. Posts on X called it a “nasty affair,” amplifying the series’ drama. This physicality boosts fantasy categories like hits and penalty minutes, favoring players like Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk.

What We Learned

Panthers Turn the Tables

After a crushing Game 1 overtime loss (4-3, Draisaitl’s power-play goal), the Panthers showed resilience, splitting the series in Edmonton despite being outshot 46-27. Marchand’s heroics and Bobrovsky’s goaltending flipped the script, giving Florida momentum heading to Amerant Bank Arena for Game 3 on June 9. However, their 4-3 home playoff record suggests they must tighten defensively to maintain pressure. The Panthers’ nine road wins, tied for second-most in a single postseason, prove they thrive under pressure.

Oilers Fall Short in Cardiac Comeback

Edmonton nearly staged another comeback after Corey Perry’s game-tying goal with 18 seconds left in regulation, the latest tying goal in Final history. Despite outshooting Florida 24-8 in the third period and overtime, the Oilers settled for a home split. Their 6-3 road record this postseason bodes well for Game 3, but special teams struggles and Bobrovsky’s brilliance proved costly. Fantasy owners of Perry (five career OT goals) and Bouchard (first defenseman with multiple three-point Final periods) saw upside despite the loss.

Fantasy Hockey Implications

Game 2 highlighted fantasy standouts for both teams. For Florida, Marchand’s multi-goal game and Bobrovsky’s save volume are locks for points and goaltending categories. Bennett’s road scoring streak and Jones’ two-way play offer value in goals, assists, and plus/minus. For Edmonton, McDavid and Draisaitl remain elite for points, while Bouchard’s offensive output compensates for special teams woes. With the series tied, fantasy managers should prioritize players thriving in high-intensity games, like Tkachuk (+1000 Conn Smythe odds) for hits and clutch goals. Monitor Bobrovsky’s health, as his 60 playoff games since 2023 raise durability concerns.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers’ Game 2 win, powered by Marchand’s clutch scoring and Bobrovsky’s 42 saves, sets the stage for a pivotal Game 3 in Florida. With the series tied 1-1, Florida’s depth (10 skaters with 11+ playoff points) and physicality (812 hits, playoff-high) give them an edge, but Edmonton’s star power (McDavid’s 29 points, Draisaitl’s 26) and road prowess keep them dangerous. As X posts noted, Marchand’s “sudden-death goal” and Bennett’s “rat attack” epitomize Florida’s grit. Can the Panthers leverage home ice, or will the Oilers, hungry for revenge after 2024’s Game 7 loss, steal a road win? Game 3 promises more fireworks in this epic rematch.

Conclusion

Brad Marchand and Sergei Bobrovsky led the Florida Panthers to a thrilling 5-4 double overtime victory in Game 2, tying the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Marchand’s short-handed and overtime goals, Bobrovsky’s 42 saves, and contributions from Bennett and the defense showcased Florida’s depth and resolve. For fantasy hockey players, Game 2 reinforced the value of clutch performers and physicality. As the series shifts to Florida, the Panthers aim to build on their momentum, while the Oilers seek to reclaim the lead. In a Final brimming with emotion and star power, Game 2 proved why this rematch is must-watch hockey.

Source: article by Tracey Myer on nhl.com, published June 6, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer