Edmonton, Canada — The Florida Panthers have moved within one win of capturing their first-ever Stanley Cup title after holding on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in a thrilling Game 3 of their best-of-seven final series on Thursday night.
The Panthers opened the scoring in the first period when Aleksander Barkov initiated a swift rush down the ice following a defensive play. Sam Reinhart capitalized on the opportunity, deflecting a pass from Gustav Forsling into the net to give Florida an early lead.
In the second period, the Oilers responded as Warren Foegele, returning after a game misconduct in Game 2, broke away to beat goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and tie the game at 1-1. Florida quickly regained momentum with goals from Vladimir Tarasenko and Sam Bennett, pushing the score to 3-1. Barkov then netted his second goal with just over four minutes remaining in the period, extending the Panthers’ lead.
Despite the deficit, Edmonton fought back. Philip Broberg connected with a pass from Connor McDavid and fired a shot that deflected off Niko Mikkola and past Bobrovsky, narrowing the gap. In the third period, Ryan McLeod tipped in a shot from Brett Kulak, bringing the Oilers within one goal.
The final moments were intense as the Oilers pushed for an equalizer, but the Panthers’ defense held firm to secure the victory. With a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, Florida is poised to clinch the Stanley Cup in Game 4 on Saturday in Edmonton.
A victory would mark a historic moment for the Panthers, securing their first championship since joining the league. The series has captivated hockey fans globally, showcasing high-caliber play and dramatic finishes.
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Panthers move within one win of their first Stanley Cup title
cgtn.com
