NHL News: Connor McDavid reveals why Oilers beat Matthew Tkachuk’s Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final

Edmonton Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final rematch, gaining a crucial edge heading into the rest of the series. Captain Connor McDavid clearly explained the reasons behind the Canadian franchise’s victory over Matthew Tkachuk’s team.

It was an intense battle at Rogers Place. As expected, the series between the Oilers and Tkachuk‘s Panthers is shaping up to be tight until the very end. McDavid’s team came out on top 4–3 in overtime after tying the game in the third period.

With last season’s final—where the Panthers beat the Oilers in seven games—as the backdrop, this year’s Stanley Cup showdown reflects the same balance, where anything can happen. For now, Edmonton’s home-ice advantage stood out, but McDavid pointed to other key factors behind the win.

McDavid’s message explaining the Oilers’ win

“We just hung in there. I think that is experience, just knowing that we’ve got to open it up. We need to hold them at three and find a way to get one, and fortunately we did,” captain Connor McDavid said, according to NHL.com.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates after the team defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 1-0 in overtime in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 14, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Oilers won the series four games to one.

The Oilers’ captain played a key role, tallying two assists, while Leon Draisaitl scored twice, becoming the star striker of the night. The team’s composure while trailing 1–3 was one of the keys to Edmonton’s comeback.

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Ekholm looked strong in his return

Ekholm returned well after a long injury layoff and scored a goal off a McDavid assist. The Oilers defenseman praised the team’s performance in the final: “The thing right now too is, like, we know exactly how they play. They know exactly how we play. Those little, little details, they’re going to matter so much in the end. It’s one lost coverage for a second here and there, or a penalty like you saw tonight, or whatever it is,” Ekholm said.