Stanley Cup Final Game 3: Oilers Crumble Under Penalty Pressure in 6-1 Loss to Panthers
SUNRISE, Fla. – The Edmonton Oilers fell 6-1 to the Florida Panthers in a penalty-filled Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, surrendering a 2-1 series lead to the Panthers on Monday night at Amerant Bank Arena.
The Oilers were assessed 21 penalties totaling 85 minutes, lost their starting goaltender Stuart Skinner, and were caught in multiple scrums — including a near line brawl in the third period. Despite the chaos, the team insists that the NHL’s most agitating squad, the Florida Panthers, didn’t get into their heads.
“I don’t think they got under our skin. The game just got out of hand,” said Oilers forward Evander Kane, who logged 16 penalty minutes — more than he had in his previous 17 playoff games combined.
Panthers Capitalize on Oilers’ Lack of Discipline
Florida, who themselves logged 14 penalties for 55 minutes, made the most of Edmonton’s lack of discipline. After two tightly contested overtime games to open the series, Game 3 turned into a blowout — exactly the style the Panthers thrive in.
Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner struggled early and was pulled in the third period after allowing five goals, including one on a delay of game penalty for putting the puck over the glass.
“We played the way Florida wanted. It was just penalty chaos tonight,” Skinner said.
Frustrations Boil Over for Edmonton
The Oilers lost their composure in the third period. Defenseman Jake Walman was seen squirting water at Florida players after losing his glove, which was taken by Panthers forward A.J. Greer. Forward Corey Perry exchanged heated words with Florida’s Jonah Gadjovich, while Trent Frederic initiated a scrum that nearly escalated into a full brawl.
“It’s for the Stanley Cup. It’s a grown man’s game. Emotions are going to boil over,” said Walman.
Panthers Stars Shine Again
Panthers winger Brad Marchand opened the scoring just 56 seconds into the game and later praised Sam Bennett, who notched his 14th goal of the postseason and ignited the third-period melee.
“He’s been an animal all playoffs. He’s built for this time of year,” Marchand said of Bennett.
Florida’s Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad, and Evan Rodrigues all added goals, with Rodrigues’ power-play tally late in the third capping the dominant win.
Oilers’ Top Stars Held Quiet
Superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were held off the scoresheet, marking just the 13th playoff game where both failed to record a point — the Oilers are 2-11 in such games. Draisaitl didn’t record a shot for only the second time in his 93-game playoff career.
“We got away from our game. It wasn’t our best. It hasn’t been our best all series, but it’s coming,” McDavid said.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
The Oilers have two days to regroup before Game 4 on Thursday night in Sunrise. Head coach Kris Knoblauch hasn’t named a Game 4 starter yet but noted Skinner didn’t have much chance on several goals.
To stay in the fight for the Stanley Cup, Edmonton will need discipline, a response from their star players, and a way to counter the Panthers’ physical, disruptive style.
