In a very exciting 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Game 3, the Florida Panthers outlasted a furious comeback attempt from the Edmonton Oilers, 4-3 on Thursday night. With the win, the Panthers are one win away from entering the history books under “Stanley Cup Champions” for the first time as a franchise.
It took all of Florida’s big stars to overcome the Oilers surge in Game 3. It started, and finished, with goalie Sergei Bobrovsky sandwiched between a quick three-goal second-period blitz was ultimately enough to capture the road win. With the clock ticked down and Oilers fans’ hope was fading faster, it was the smart, suffocating defensive effort that secured the 4-3 win.
This weekend, the Florida Panthers will have their first opportunity at redemption in the NHL’s final round.
Bobrovsky Shines Again at the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals
Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky was the story in the initial game of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Despite the venue changing to an entirely new country, the tale in these Finals remains the same. Edmonton failed to solve the Rubik’s Cube also known as BOB in this final round.
With the 4-3 win, the Florida Panthers are one win from getting their franchise name on the Stanley Cup for the very first time. If the Cats accomplish that goal this year, only 10 teams remain yet to hoist that heavy silver trophy.
In the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Sergei Bobrovsky has only allowed 5 goals in 3 games. Now entering this weekend, he has the Florida Panthers on the verge of a sweep on the legendary Edmonton Oilers.
Panthers Pounce Offensively in the 2nd Period
After a late first-period Sam Reinhart goal to enter the 1st intermission with a 1-0 lead, Florida conceded that advantage early in the second. Bobrovsky continued to be his spectacular self by denying the Oilers offense before the Panthers finally pounced on their opportunity.
In about 6 minutes of game action around the middle of the second period, the Florida Panthers filled the net three times behind Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner to establish a 4-1 advantage before the 2nd intermission. Tarasenko (4), Bennett (7), and Barkov (7) were the goal-scorers in the quick strike attack for the Cats leaving the fans in Edmonton with their hands in their faces.
Edmonton’s Furious Rally Falls Short in Game 3
Holding a 4-1 lead entering the final regulation period, Florida finally had a break go against them as Oilers defense Philip Broberg had a shot go off a Panthers defender and behind Bobrovsky to reduce the score to a 4-2 lead.
As the common hockey phrase goes, a two-goal lead is the worst lead due to momentum. Edmonton’s Ryan McLeod scored with just over 5 minutes remaining to trim the lead to just 1 sparking hope and voices inside Rogers Place.
With 90 seconds of 6-on-4 time, the Edmonton Oilers did not generate a significant threat. The Panthers pinned the puck against the wall to drain the remaining 20 seconds off the clock to seal the 4-3 win.
Game 4 of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Finals takes place on Saturday at 8 pm ET from Edmonton.
About The Author
Christopher Babos is a genuine sports & entertainment journalist with diverse credentials in writing, broadcasting, and digital media. He can be located on X for real-time takes (@CBabosWrites). With various roles in the sports industry over two decades, Chris can speak with authority on the topics he covers.
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