In Game 3 of the NHL Finals, the Florida Panthers dominated the Edmonton Oilers with a decisive 6-1 victory, taking a 2-1 series lead. Brad Marchand, marking a record as the oldest player to score in the first three finals games, and Sam Bennett, who netted his league-leading 14th playoff goal, were pivotal in the Panthers’ success. Bennett’s breakaway goal resulted from a crucial turnover initiated by a hit on Edmonton’s Vasily Podkolzin.
The Panthers showcased their depth, with Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart scoring their first goals of the series, while Aaron Ekblad chased Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner from the net. Notably, Serie-winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, dubbed “Bob,” excelled with 32 saves against an Oilers team that struggled to generate quality chances and lost composure, taking 15 penalties, which led to a total of 85 penalty minutes in the game.
Emotional tension led to a brawl late in the match, further emphasizing the stakes. While the Oilers’ Connor McDavid failed to rally his team, veterans like Marchand and 40-year-old Corey Perry kept the momentum for the Panthers. Marchand acknowledged the need for strong goaltending at this stage of the season, pointing to Bobrovsky’s performances as critical.
As the teams prepare for Game 4, scheduled for Thursday, McDavid emphasized its importance, calling it a “big swing game.” The Panthers aim to extend their lead towards a potential back-to-back championship, while the Oilers strive to regain their footing after a lopsided defeat.
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