Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers was more than just another game—it was a fight for survival. With the Panthers holding a 3-0 series lead, the Oilers were on the brink of elimination on home ice. Could they rally the crowd and force a Game 5? Let’s dive into every shot, save, hit, and goal in this electrifying night of hockey.
🎉 Pre-Game Buzz
Fan Atmosphere in Edmonton
Rogers Place was buzzing with intensity, the Oilers fans waving towels, chanting early, and doing everything they could to lift their team. It was electric and emotional—a crowd that knew this could be the last time they saw their team skate this season.
Starting Lineups and Injury Reports
The Oilers started Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman, while Sergei Bobrovsky once again took the net for Florida. No major injury surprises, though Edmonton’s Evander Kane played through a nagging lower-body issue.
Oilers Strategy and Lineup Tweaks
Coach Kris Knoblauch shuffled the second and third lines, hoping to ignite more scoring depth. McDavid was double-shifted frequently to keep the pressure on Florida’s defense.
Panthers Pre-Game Focus
Florida came in calm, cool, and collected—just one win from lifting their first ever Stanley Cup. They emphasized discipline, puck control, and not getting caught up in Edmonton’s high-speed game.
⏱️ First Period Highlights
Opening Faceoff and Early Energy
The puck dropped and the Oilers came out flying. The first two minutes were spent almost entirely in the Panthers’ zone. Edmonton fired five quick shots in the opening five minutes.
Key Plays and Scoring Chances
Just six minutes in, McDavid broke in alone and Bobrovsky made a jaw-dropping glove save. Edmonton earned the first power play of the night after a tripping call on Forsling.
Notable Saves by Goaltenders
Stuart Skinner, facing pressure of his own, turned away a dangerous wraparound attempt by Matthew Tkachuk midway through the period. Both goalies were dialed in early.
End of Period Recap and Stats
- Score: 0-0
- Shots: EDM 11, FLA 7
- Faceoff wins: EDM 60%
- Power Plays: EDM 0/1
🚨 Second Period Action
Momentum Shifts and Goals
Three minutes in, Leon Draisaitl lit the lamp with a laser from the left circle on a 2-on-1 break, giving Edmonton the 1-0 lead and exploding the crowd into thunderous roars.
Special Teams Performance
The Panthers got their first power play soon after but couldn’t capitalize. Edmonton’s penalty kill unit was aggressive and organized, clearing the puck efficiently.
Penalties and Power Plays
Midway through the period, things got chippy. Vincent Trocheck and Darnell Nurse exchanged some heavy shoves after a whistle, but the referees let it go with offsetting minors.
Hits, Blocks, and Tempo
The Oilers played like a team with everything to lose—hitting hard, blocking shots, and sacrificing the body. Tkachuk took a rough check behind the net, limped off, but returned a few shifts later.
🏁 Third Period Showdown
Clutch Plays and Final Goals
With just over 10 minutes left, Sam Reinhart tied it up on a rebound after a point shot deflected off traffic. It was 1-1, and suddenly every breath inside Rogers Place was held tight.
Defensive Stands and Goalie Brilliance
Both goaltenders made highlight-reel saves, particularly Bobrovsky robbing McDavid once again with just five minutes left in regulation. Skinner made a breakaway stop on Barkov.
Final Minutes Drama
The last 90 seconds were wild—both teams trading rushes. The crowd rose to its feet when Hyman was tripped on a breakaway, but no call came. Fans were livid.
Regulation Time Result
Tied 1-1. We’re headed to overtime. The Oilers would need magic to keep the dream alive.
🏆 Overtime Madness
Just 2:44 into OT, Zach Hyman cleaned up a rebound in front and lifted it over a sprawling Bobrovsky to win it for Edmonton!
Final Score: Oilers 2, Panthers 1 (OT)
Oilers stay alive! The building shook.
📰 Post-Game Wrap-Up
Final Score and Key Stats
- Score: EDM 2, FLA 1 (OT)
- Shots: EDM 34, FLA 29
- Hits: EDM 41, FLA 36
- Faceoffs: EDM 55%
Star Performers of the Night
- Connor McDavid: 1 assist, 8 shots
- Zach Hyman: Game-winning goal
- Stuart Skinner: 28 saves
Player Reactions and Interviews
McDavid: “We’re not dead yet. That’s all I’ll say.”
Hyman: “This crowd gave us that win.”
Coaches’ Post-Game Analysis
Knoblauch praised the team’s resilience. Florida’s coach Paul Maurice said, “We had chances, but this is playoff hockey. Now we regroup.”
📊 Series Implications
Updated Series Standing
Florida leads 3-1. Game 5 heads back to Sunrise, Florida.
What’s Next in Game 5
Can the Oilers push the series further? Or will Florida seal the deal at home? Game 5 is now must-watch.
📱 Fan Reactions and Social Buzz
Twitter/X Trending Moments
- #HymanHero
- #BobrovskyWall
- #StanleyCupFinal
- #OilersSurvive
Memes and Viral Posts
A McDavid meme looking like John Wick: “You thought I was done?”
Fans posted “Oil Drilled Hope” graphics after Hyman’s OT goal.