The Florida Panthers opened the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with a tough overtime loss, but if there’s one thing this battle-tested group isn’t doing—it’s panicking. After surrendering a 3-1 lead to the surging Edmonton Oilers, the defending champions now find themselves trailing in a series they know better than anyone isn’t won in a single night.
For veterans like Matthew Tkachuk, the loss was more a wake-up call than a red flag. The Panthers have been here before—this marks their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance—and experience has taught them to manage emotions just as much as momentum.
In the aftermath of Game 1, Tkachuk cut through the noise with a simple but telling declaration: “They’re better, we’re better, it’s going to be a great series.“ The message, shared on X by NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, was unmistakable—this Panthers team knows what it takes to win, and the journey is far from over.
A rare collapse in a historic streak
The Panthers carried a 3-1 lead well into the second period, only to see it evaporate under the weight of relentless Oilers pressure. It was a stark deviation from the identity Florida had built in the postseason. Before Wednesday night, the Panthers had won 31 straight playoff games when leading after any period. That mark shattered the moment Leon Draisaitl buried the game-winner in overtime, turning a Florida advantage into an Edmonton exclamation point.
Despite the collapse, the tone in the Panthers’ locker room remained measured. The squad knows that one misstep does not undo a season’s worth of chemistry, effort, and resolve. Their playoff run has thrived on resiliency, and Game 1 merely reinforces the need to dig deeper.
Bennett: Panthers must stay aggressive with the lead
Looking ahead to Game 2, Florida’s approach will need refining—but not reinvention. Center Sam Bennett, who was a standout performer with two goals in the opener, acknowledged that a passive mindset cost them dearly once they took the lead. “Just not let up. Don’t sit back,” he told ESPN. “We’ve been really good all year at not sitting back with the lead, and for whatever reason we sat back tonight.”
SURVEY How will the Stanley Cup Final play out after Florida's Game 1 loss?
How will the Stanley Cup Final play out after Florida's Game 1 loss?
already voted 11 fans
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Panthers. During this playoff run, they’ve repeatedly defied road expectations. Whether it was taking two in Tampa or rallying after losses in Toronto, Paul Maurice’s team has used every setback as fuel. Game 2 on Friday night in Edmonton will offer the Panthers a chance to course correct and reclaim control before the series shifts to South Florida.