The Florida Panthers took control of the Stanley Cup Final with a decisive 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3, securing a 2-1 series lead. The game, played at Amerant Bank Arena, was marred by a chaotic third-period brawl that led to multiple ejections and intense physical play from both teams. Despite the contentious nature of the fight, the Panthers’ offensive dominance was evident from the outset, as they showcased a blend of skill and power to dismantle the Oilers’ defenses.
The game began with the Panthers asserting their dominance, as Brad Marchand scored just under one minute into the contest, marking him as the oldest player in NHL history to score in each of the first three Stanley Cup Finals games. His performance was followed by Sam Bennett’s second-period goal, a breakaway shot that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Bennett’s goal, assisted by Eetu Luostarinen, extended the Panthers’ lead to 4-1, further solidifying their position in the series. The Oilers responded with a power-play goal from Corey Perry in the second period, but the Panthers’ physicality and strategic playkeeping the series in Florida’s favor.
The third period erupted into chaos, with the Oilers initiating a brawl after a contentious exchange between Trent Federic and Sam Bennett. What began as a single fight quickly escalated into an all-out melee, involving multiple players from both teams. Referees allowed the brawl to unfold, resulting in several players, including Darnell Nurse, Jonah Gadjovich, Bennett, Federic, A.J. Greer, and Mattias Ekholm, being ejected for game misconduct. The incident reflected the intense rivalry between the two teams and the willingness of the Oilers to engage in physical play rather than compete on the scoreboard.
Although the Oilers continued to apply pressure, their aggressive tactics ultimately backfired, as the Panthers capitalized on the chaos to secure their win. A power-play goal by Evan Rodrigues in the final moments of the game capped off Florida’s dominant performance. The Panthers’ ability to combine physicality with offensive skill was a key factor in their victory, as they moved closer to claiming the Stanley Cup. The series now shifts to Game 4, with Florida poised to take control and maintain their momentum.