Aleksander Barkov delivers sincere 4-word statement to Matthew Tkachuk, Paul Maurice after Panthers blow out Oilers in Game 3

The Florida Panthers arguably saved their best performance of the NHL season for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. They belittled the Edmonton Oilers, routing the away team on every inch of the ice. It reflected on the scoreboard as the Cats won by a score of 6-1. After the game, Aleksander Barkov made his thoughts on the game clear with a stark four-word comment. While some may be taken aback, it was exactly what Matthew Tkachuk, Paul Maurice, and the rest of the squad expected to hear from their captain.

Upon returning to their home ice at Amerant Bank Arena, Barkov and the Panthers treated fans to a spectacular showing. The Cats blew the Oilers out of the water, dominating on every aspect of the game. They were far more physical, faster, more disciplined, and—most importantly—they didn’t hesitate whenever they stood in front of the opposing net.

Maurice’s Florida never let up on the gas pedal. The Cats are known throughout the NHL for their merciless style of play. If their opponent hits the ground, they won’t hold back. In case they had forgotten after last year’s Final loss to the Panthers, the Oilers were reminded of it in Game 3. Edmonton responded with vicious, ill-intended hits, but Florida stayed its course.

Barkov and Tkachuk‘s Panthers clearly got under the Oilers’ skin in Game 3. If that trend continues in the upcoming battles, it could spell bad news for Edmonton. However, Florida isn’t getting too far ahead. Barkov made sure to share that sentiment with a straight-to-the-point comment.

“We were good today,” Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov reflected after the 6-1 victory in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, per NHL.com.

The upper-hand

The Panthers may be up by just one game in the series, but they hold a much larger lead when it comes to mental edge and momentum. Florida has Edmonton right where it wants them. The Oilers are rattled, the Cats are buzzing, and these bloodhound-like Panthers are ready to pounce.

“We played super well and super disciplined, just like a veteran, older team who’s been here,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “This is our third time at it. We know it’s a series, and we’ve got to stick up for each other, but got to be smart too. I thought it was great that guys were sticking up for each other, and at the end of the day, it’s just a big win and just one game.”

It can get ugly

The Panthers’ Game 3 triumph was a statement performance, in more ways than one. They ran the Oilers out of town. Edmonton was outplayed and outworked, like they’d never been before in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the game out of reach, the Oilers intended to send a message by adding fuel to the fire. Little did they know the Panthers had lured them into their terrain.

“If you have to take a punch in the face, take a punch in the face,” Tkachuk commented about the mentality inside the Panthers’ locker room.

Perhaps such a dismaying collapse was exactly what the Oilers needed to wake up. But it could also signal the beginning of the end. They look dizzy and unsteady on their feet. While Tkachuk, Barkov, and the Panthers aim to deliver a knockout punch and take a 3-1 series lead.