In an intense showdown, Leon Draisaitl netted an overtime goal for the fourth time during this playoff season, helping the Edmonton Oilers claim a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final. This win not only ties the series but also represents a stunning comeback, as the Oilers managed to erase a three-goal deficit and recover from a late equalizer by their opponents.
Jake Walman provided the Oilers with a crucial lead just 6:24 before the end of the third period; however, the Panthers' Sam Reinhart sent the game into overtime with a goal scored only 19.5 seconds before the final buzzer. Remarkably, this finals matchup has had three out of its first four games decided in overtime, a trend not seen since 2013 and just the fifth occurrence in NHL history.
Draisaitl's decisive goal, coming at 11:18 of the extra period, ensured that the series returned to Western Canada on equal terms. Game 5, set for Saturday night in Edmonton, has the potential to be another fierce battle between these two formidable teams. Reflecting on the game, Draisaitl acknowledged the role of luck in their victory, emphasizing his team's resilience and determination to keep fighting.
Draisaitl's fourth overtime goal this postseason sets a new NHL record, breaking the tie he had with a few other players, including his current teammate Corey Perry and Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers. His contributions in this series have placed him alongside hockey greats from the past.
The Oilers' comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the first period marks them as the first road team to accomplish such a feat in the finals since the Montreal Canadiens did it over a century ago in 1919. Historically, only six teams have managed to overcome a three-goal deficit to win a game in the finals, with the last occurrence taking place in 2006.
Things looked grim for Edmonton early on, as the Panthers initially dominated, with two goals from Matthew Tkachuk and another from Anton Lundell in the opening period. Coach Kris Knoblauch opted to replace starting goaltender Stuart Skinner with backup Calvin Pickard, who had previously thrived in the playoffs before suffering an injury. Pickard's impressive performance in goal played a crucial role in the Oilers' comeback.
As the game progressed, the Oilers managed to rally, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins capitalizing on a power play and Darnell Nurse leveling the score, quickly turning the tide of the match. With less than five minutes remaining in the second period, Vasily Podkolzin added another goal to pull them even. Draisaitl's late-game heroics ultimately silenced the Florida crowd, ensuring the Oilers would not fall behind in the series as they had the previous year.
The presence of hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky and Jaromir Jagr at the game added to the star-studded atmosphere. With both teams just a couple of wins away from being crowned champions, the series continues to deliver unforgettable moments for fans.
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