Florida Panthers Win Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
Carter Verhaeghe's Goal Gives Panthers Early Advantage
Bobrovsky Shines in Net as Panthers Steal Home-Ice Advantage
The Florida Panthers have taken an early lead in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 in Game 1 on Wednesday night. Carter Verhaeghe's goal midway through the second period proved to be the game-winner, while Sergei Bobrovsky made 35 saves to earn the victory in net.
The Panthers got off to a quick start, with Evan Rodrigues scoring just 2:37 into the game. The Oilers responded with a goal from Connor McDavid later in the period, but Verhaeghe's goal gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.
In the third period, the Panthers took control of the game. Rodrigues scored his second goal of the night just over five minutes into the period, and Aaron Ekblad added another goal less than two minutes later. The Oilers pulled their goalie with over two minutes remaining in the game, but Niko Mikkola scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory for the Panthers.
Bobrovsky was outstanding in net for the Panthers, stopping all 35 shots he faced. He made several key saves in the second period to keep the Oilers off the board, and he was just as good in the third period to preserve the win.
The Panthers will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series when they host the Oilers in Game 2 on Friday night. The Oilers, meanwhile, will need to find a way to generate more offense if they want to tie the series.
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