Edmonton Oilers Fall to Florida Panthers in Game 1 of 2024 Stanley Cup Finals

Verhaeghe, Bennett Lead Panthers to 5-3 Victory

Bobrovsky Stands Tall with 38 Saves

The Florida Panthers took an early lead in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-3 in Game 1 on Wednesday night in Sunrise, Florida. Carter Verhaeghe led the Panthers with two goals and an assist, while Sam Bennett added a goal and two assists. Sergei Bobrovsky made 38 saves for the win.

The Oilers opened the scoring just 5:27 into the game when Connor McDavid scored on a power play. However, the Panthers responded with three straight goals in the second period to take a 3-1 lead. Verhaeghe scored twice in the period, including a short-handed goal, while Bennett added another.

The Oilers cut the lead to 3-2 early in the third period when Evan Bouchard scored on a power play. However, the Panthers regained their two-goal lead when Verhaeghe completed his hat trick with a goal at 12:51 of the third period.

The Oilers made it a one-goal game again when Leon Draisaitl scored a power-play goal with 3:35 remaining. However, the Panthers held on for the victory and now have a 1-0 lead in the series.

Game 2 of the series is set for Friday night in Sunrise, Florida.