Edmonton Oilers Stage Dramatic Comeback in Stanley Cup Final Game 4

In a thrilling Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers overcame a daunting 3-0 deficit to defeat the Florida Panthers 5-4 in overtime, leveling the best-of-seven series at two games apiece. The match, which took place on June 12, 2025, at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida, showcased the resilience and skill of the Oilers, particularly star forward Leon Draisaitl, who scored the game-winning goal in a remarkable display of determination.

Initially, the Panthers appeared poised to take a commanding lead in the series, jumping ahead with three goals in the first period. Matthew Tkachuk opened the scoring with a power-play goal just minutes into the game, followed by a one-timer from Anton Lundell and a rebound from Tkachuk that stretched the lead to 3-0. The Oilers, however, were undeterred. After a lackluster first period, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch made a pivotal decision to replace starting goaltender Stuart Skinner with Calvin Pickard, a move that proved crucial as Pickard made 22 saves on 23 shots, helping his team regain momentum.

The second period marked a turning point for Edmonton as they launched a fierce comeback. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins netted the first goal for the Oilers early in the period, followed by Darnell Nurse's sharp shot that cut the deficit to one. Vasily Podkolzin then tied the game with a close-range effort, leaving the score at 3-3 by the end of the second.

As the third period unfolded, the Oilers took a 4-3 lead with a goal from Jake Walman, but the Panthers responded dramatically. With just 19.5 seconds left in regulation, Sam Reinhart found the back of the net, forcing the game into overtime. This late goal marked the second-latest equalizer in Stanley Cup Final history, underscoring the intensity of the matchup.

Overtime began with both teams exchanging chances, but it was Draisaitl who emerged as the hero. At the 11:18 mark, he launched a shot that deflected off Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola's skate, slipping through goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky's five-hole. This marked Draisaitl's fourth overtime game-winner of the playoffs, setting a new NHL record.

The Oilers’ victory not only ties the series at 2-2 but also showcases their ability to perform under pressure, a sentiment echoed by their coach. “We knew we had to dig deep and play our game. The guys showed incredible heart tonight,” Knoblauch stated in a post-game interview. Meanwhile, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice lamented the missed opportunity, noting, “We let our foot off the gas, and against a team like Edmonton, that can be fatal.”

As the series shifts back to Edmonton for Game 5, both teams are acutely aware that the momentum has shifted. The Oilers will look to capitalize on their recent success, while the Panthers aim to regain their earlier form that saw them dominate the first three games of the series.

The implications of this series extend beyond just the championship itself; it reflects the broader narrative of the NHL playoffs, showcasing the unpredictable nature of postseason hockey where anything can happen. The next game is set to be a pivotal moment for both franchises as they vie for a spot in history, with the stakes higher than ever.