{"id":2467,"date":"2025-06-10T14:25:01","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T11:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vsaworld.com\/blog\/?p=2467"},"modified":"2025-06-10T14:25:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T11:25:02","slug":"marchand-bennett-fuel-panthers-dominant-game-3-win-over-oilers-in-stanley-cup-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vsaworld.com\/blog\/marchand-bennett-fuel-panthers-dominant-game-3-win-over-oilers-in-stanley-cup-final\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchand, Bennett Fuel Panthers\u2019 Dominant Game 3 Win Over Oilers in Stanley Cup Final"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Florida Panthers seized control of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final<\/a> 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\u2019s 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\u2019 dynamic duo has Edmonton scrambling to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marchand\u2019s Historic Start Ignites Panthers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019 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. \u201cHe\u2019s a gamer,\u201d teammate Seth Jones said of Marchand\u2019s energy, which has galvanized Florida\u2019s lineup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marchand\u2019s impact extends beyond the scoresheet. His agitating style, honed over years as a Bruins antagonist, has gotten under Edmonton\u2019s skin, as evidenced by Evander Kane\u2019s multiple penalties, including a high-stick on Marchand. Paired with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, Marchand\u2019s 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 \u201cincredible,\u201d has elevated Florida\u2019s intensity, making him a linchpin in their quest for back-to-back titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bennett\u2019s Physicality and Scoring Prowess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sam Bennett continued his postseason tear, cementing his status as the NHL\u2019s 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\u2019s steal, extended Bennett\u2019s goal streak to four games, a Panthers playoff record, and pushed his road goal total to 12, an NHL record. \u201cHe\u2019s built for this time of year,\u201d Marchand said, noting Bennett\u2019s ability to \u201cscore off nothing\u201d and dominate physically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bennett\u2019s monster shift\u2014two crushing hits and a goal in 13 seconds\u2014swung 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\u2019s 17. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Bennett\u2019s Conn Smythe-caliber performance is boosting his value, with analysts comparing his impact to recent high-value contracts like Brock Nelson\u2019s $7.5 million deal. His physical edge, combined with linemates Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, has overwhelmed Edmonton\u2019s defense, which struggled to contain Florida\u2019s forecheck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n