Leon Draisaitl's Overtime Heroics Tie Stanley Cup Final at 2-2

Leon Draisaitl's fourth overtime goal this playoffs led the Edmonton Oilers to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers, tying the Stanley Cup Final at 2-2.

In a dramatic Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, Leon Draisaitl once again proved to be the hero for the Edmonton Oilers, scoring in overtime to secure a 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers. This marks Draisaitl's fourth overtime goal this postseason, showcasing his clutch performance when it matters most.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Oilers erasing a three-goal deficit to force overtime. Jake Walman gave the Oilers their first lead with 6:24 left in the third period, but Sam Reinhart tied the game with just 19.5 seconds remaining, sending the contest into extra time.

This is the third time in the first four games of this series that overtime was needed, a rare occurrence in the Stanley Cup Final, last seen in 2013. Draisaitl's goal at 11:18 into overtime not only secured the win but also tied the series at 2-2, setting up a crucial Game 5 in Edmonton.

The Oilers' comeback was historic, as they became the first road team to rally from a three-goal deficit in the Stanley Cup Final since the Montreal Canadiens in 1919. Only six teams in NHL history have achieved this feat, with the last occurrence in 2006.

Key Moments:

  • First Period: The Panthers dominated early, with Matthew Tkachuk scoring twice and Anton Lundell adding another goal, putting Florida up 3-0.
  • Goaltender Change: Oilers' coach Kris Knoblauch pulled starter Stuart Skinner after he allowed three goals on 17 shots, bringing in Calvin Pickard, who made 18 saves and kept the Oilers in the game.
  • Comeback: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse, and Vasily Podkolzin scored to tie the game, setting the stage for Draisaitl's overtime heroics.

With the series now tied, both teams are just two wins away from claiming the Stanley Cup. Game 5 promises to be another intense battle as the Oilers look to take the lead on home ice.

What to Read Next

Top NHL Hall of Fame Candidates for 2026: Who Will Make the Cut?
NHL

Top NHL Hall of Fame Candidates for 2026: Who Will Make the Cut?

Explore the top NHL players and women's hockey stars likely to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2026, including Patrice Bergeron, Carey Price, and more.

Connor McDavid's NHL Future: Will He Stay with the Oilers or Test Free Agency in 2026?
NHL

Connor McDavid's NHL Future: Will He Stay with the Oilers or Test Free Agency in 2026?

Connor McDavid's future with the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain as he approaches the final year of his contract. Will he re-sign or explore free agency in 2026?

Analyzing the Impact of the Trevor Zegras Trade: Flyers and Ducks' Strategic Moves
NHL

Analyzing the Impact of the Trevor Zegras Trade: Flyers and Ducks' Strategic Moves

A detailed analysis of the Trevor Zegras trade between the Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks, exploring the strategic implications for both teams.

Brad Marchand's Epic Stanley Cup Victory Tour: From Crowd-Surfing to Dairy Queen
NHL

Brad Marchand's Epic Stanley Cup Victory Tour: From Crowd-Surfing to Dairy Queen

Explore Brad Marchand's unforgettable Stanley Cup victory tour with the Florida Panthers, from crowd-surfing to working at Dairy Queen.

2025 Stanley Cup Playoff Beards: Celebrating the Best Facial Hair in NHL History
NHL

2025 Stanley Cup Playoff Beards: Celebrating the Best Facial Hair in NHL History

Discover the most iconic playoff beards of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, featuring standout players from the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.

Florida Panthers: The Dual Nature of Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Champions
NHL

Florida Panthers: The Dual Nature of Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Champions

Explore how the Florida Panthers balanced their on-ice aggression with off-ice camaraderie to secure back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.

Florida Panthers Claim Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Titles with Dominant Victory Over Edmonton Oilers
NHL

Florida Panthers Claim Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Titles with Dominant Victory Over Edmonton Oilers

The Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.

Calvin Pickard: The Unsung Hero Behind Oilers' Stanley Cup Final Rally
NHL

Calvin Pickard: The Unsung Hero Behind Oilers' Stanley Cup Final Rally

Calvin Pickard steps up as the Edmonton Oilers' backbone in the Stanley Cup Final, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.

Stanley Cup Showdown: Panthers vs. Oilers Game 5 - Who Will Take the Lead?
NHL

Stanley Cup Showdown: Panthers vs. Oilers Game 5 - Who Will Take the Lead?

As the Stanley Cup Final heats up, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers face off in a pivotal Game 5. Who will edge closer to the ultimate prize?

Leon Draisaitl's Clutch Performance: Elevating the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final
NHL

Leon Draisaitl's Clutch Performance: Elevating the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final

Leon Draisaitl's exceptional performance in the Stanley Cup Final has been pivotal for the Edmonton Oilers, showcasing his clutch scoring and leadership.

Oilers Stage Thrilling Comeback to Tie Stanley Cup Final 2-2: Game 4 Breakdown and Game 5 Preview
NHL

Oilers Stage Thrilling Comeback to Tie Stanley Cup Final 2-2: Game 4 Breakdown and Game 5 Preview

The Edmonton Oilers rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win Game 4 in overtime, tying the Stanley Cup Final 2-2. Here's a detailed breakdown and what to expect in Game 5.

Paul Maurice's Mastery: Transforming the Florida Panthers into NHL Powerhouses
NHL

Paul Maurice's Mastery: Transforming the Florida Panthers into NHL Powerhouses

Explore how Paul Maurice's leadership has turned the Florida Panthers into a dominant force in the NHL, on the brink of another Stanley Cup victory.

NHL MVP Legends: A Comprehensive History of Hart Memorial Trophy Winners
NHL

NHL MVP Legends: A Comprehensive History of Hart Memorial Trophy Winners

Explore the rich history of the NHL's Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player, and discover the legends who have claimed this prestigious honor.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Shine at NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 4
NHL

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Shine at NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 4

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce made headlines at Game 4 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final, supporting the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.

Stanley Cup Final Game 4: Panthers vs. Oilers - Can Edmonton Even the Series?
NHL

Stanley Cup Final Game 4: Panthers vs. Oilers - Can Edmonton Even the Series?

Preview of Game 4 in the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. Can the Oilers tie the series or will the Panthers edge closer to victory?

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.