Stanley Cup Final Game 4 Live Blog: Panthers vs. Oilers
EDMONTON -- Welcome to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Edmonton Oilers crushed the Florida Panthers 8-1, keeping their championship hopes alive and sending the series back to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday. Bill Price provided live updates from Rogers Place, capturing all the sights, sounds, and highlights.
10:55 p.m. ET
Play LaBamba, baby.
That’s a wrap from Edmonton. The Oilers dominated the Panthers 8-1 to secure their first win of the series, moving the Final back to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday. Connor McDavid had an outstanding night with a goal and three assists, leaving fans chanting “We Want the Cup.” See you in Florida on Tuesday. Thanks for following along. The night ended with "Man, I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain, who kicked off the evening with a free concert outside.
10:51 p.m. ET
With under five minutes to go, Rogers Place is electric. The Oilers extended their lead to 8-1 with quick goals from Dylan Holloway and Ryan McLeod. McDavid’s assist on Holloway’s goal set an NHL record for most assists in a single postseason, surpassing Wayne Gretzky. Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, with 32 saves, has been a standout, including a spectacular glove save against Matthew Tkachuk. The 50/50 raffle has reached an incredible $14 million, with half going to the Oilers charity fund.
10:40 p.m. ET
With less than nine minutes left, it’s almost certain we’re heading back to Florida for Game 5 on Tuesday. The Panthers missed a power play opportunity, and the Oilers couldn’t convert on theirs after Aaron Ekblad’s slashing penalty. The Oilers' top stars have stepped up tonight, and the Panthers' physical play might be setting the tone for Game 5. Former Oiler Fernando Pisani was shown on the big screen, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
10:28 p.m. ET
The Panthers had a chance to narrow the gap early in the third period but couldn’t capitalize on a power play. The crowd remains unfazed by Sergei Bobrovsky’s removal, mockingly chanting his name. Skinner continues his solid performance with 25 saves. The Oilers are gaining confidence with every play, and the fans are loving it.
10:15 p.m. ET
As the third period begins, the Oilers lead 6-1. How the teams handle the rest of the game will be telling, especially with the Panthers’ tendency to get under their opponents' skin. A scoring change credits Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with the Oilers’ sixth goal. The atmosphere is festive, but Oilers fans are mindful that this could be the last game at Rogers Place this season unless the team wins Game 5 in Florida.
10:01 p.m. ET
With two periods down, the Oilers are up 6-1 and 20 minutes away from forcing Game 5. Connor McDavid tied Wayne Gretzky’s record for most assists in a single postseason. The crowd is in high spirits, with fans dressed as characters from “Talladega Nights” and singing along to ABBA’s “Mama Mia.” The 50/50 raffle prize is now at $9 million.
9:57 p.m. ET
The fans are chanting “We Want 7” as the Oilers lead 6-1 late in the second period. The game has turned physical, with penalties giving the Oilers a 5-on-3 power play, which they converted. McDavid and Draisaitl have been dominant, while Florida’s Aaron Ekblad is struggling. Barring a miracle, we’ll be heading back to South Florida for Game 5.
9:53 p.m. ET
Zach Hyman scores on a 5-on-3, extending the Oilers’ lead to 6-1. The Oilers' stars are stepping up, and the Panthers need to hope this performance is a one-off. Tensions are high, with Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett getting involved in a scrum. The arena erupts as Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” plays.
9:42 p.m. ET
Midway through Game 4, it’s looking like we’re heading back to Florida. The Oilers nearly scored on a power play, but McDavid’s shot hit the post. The Panthers’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson took a slashing penalty, leading to the power play opportunity.
9:34 p.m. ET
The Oilers are buzzing, now leading 5-1 after Darnell Nurse’s goal. Sergei Bobrovsky has been pulled after allowing five goals on 16 shots. Anthony Stolarz is now in net for Florida. The Oilers’ offense, which had been quiet, is now on fire. The scoreboard shows Panthers fans, making "Florida man" jokes, as Led Zeppelin's “Rock and Roll” plays.
Connor McDavid scores early in the second period, making it 4-1 Edmonton. The Oilers’ momentum is building, and the fans are mockingly cheering Bobrovsky. Despite the cold in the press box, the Oilers' performance is heating things up.
The Oilers lead 3-1 after the first period, outshooting the Panthers 14-10. Fans are alternating between supportive chants and not-so-nice ones about the refs. The Oilers needed this strong start to stay alive in the series.
Vladimir Tarasenko scores for the Panthers, cutting the Oilers' lead to 2-1. The crowd is a bit nervous, but the T-shirt guy revives the energy. Stuart Skinner makes a crucial save, keeping the Oilers ahead.
Adam Henrique scores, making it 2-0 Oilers. Despite a power play chance for the Panthers, Edmonton is capitalizing on their opportunities. The crowd is lively, with fans showing creative signs and costumes.
The Oilers score a short-handed goal, with Mattias Janmark putting them up 1-0. The fans are vocal about the refs, who reviewed a penalty but kept it at two minutes. The atmosphere is intense.
The anthems are over, and it’s time to play hockey. The noise level hit 112 decibels when the Oilers took the ice. The fans are loud and ready, despite the Oilers being down 3-0 in the series.
The “Let’s Go Oilers” chants have started, and the lineups are set. The Oilers need a win to extend the series, and the fans are behind them all the way.
One unique aspect of Edmonton’s game day is the player high-fives with kids after warmups. Corey Perry, playing in his fifth Stanley Cup Final, was cheered as he left the ice. The organ player is keeping spirits high with “C’mon Get Happy.”
Warmups are underway, and it looks like Evander Kane will miss his second straight game due to injury. Corey Perry and Sam Carrick are on the ice. The fans in Edmonton are rallying around their team, believing they can still win the Cup.
layed a free outdoor concert to hype up the fans. The Oilers need a win tonight to stay in the series. With Duncan Keith speaking to the team today, the Oilers are ready for Game 4. The game is set to start in about an hour, and the excitement is building.
Post a Comment