The Edmonton Oilers outplayed the Florida Panthers for much of Game 1 but lost 3-0 because of a 32-save shutout by Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Oilers expect the Panthers to play better in Game 2 on Monday night and Edmonton also is expected to do so.
The Oilers are 5-1 following a loss in this season's playoffs. Captain Connor McDavid has played a role in that. The three-time Hart Trophy winner and 2023-24 finalist has 54 career points in 28 games all-time after a playoff loss, including 16 points during this year's postseason.
The Panthers are 3-1 in Game 1 in the 2024 playoffs and 2-1 in Game 2.
Follow along for live updates on Game 2 between the Panthers and Oilers:
When is Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final?
Game 2 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Monday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
How to watch Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final
Game 2 will be shown nationally on ABC in the United States.
How to live stream Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final
Game 2 can be streamed on ESPN+ and services that carry ABC, such asFubo.
Edmonton Oilers Game 2 keys to victory
Press Bobrovsky a little harder when he plays the puck. He made a few mistakes in Game 1, though the Oilers couldn't capitalize. Also shoot higher against him. He's so good covering the bottom of the net.
Read more Oilers keys to victory
What were the ratings for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final?
Game 1, shown on ABC, averaged 3.1 million in the USA, peaking at 3.65 million. That's up 12% from last year's Panthers-Golden Knights Game 1 on TNT, according to ESPN.
The NHL said that factoring in Canadian viewership, there were 7.1 million viewers across North America. The league said that made it the most-watched Stanley Cup Final Game 1 across North America since the St. Louis Blues-Boston Bruins series in 2019.
Panthers are 0-2 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final
They were swept by the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and lost 7-2 last year to the Vegas Golden Knights. Bobrovsky was pulled in that game after giving up four goals.
Oilers are 1-2 when losing Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
They were swept after losing Game 1 of the 1983 final against the New York Islanders. But they won four in a row in 1985 after losing Game 1 to the Philadelphia Flyers. They lost Game 7 in 2006 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Oilers making change on defense pairings
Defenseman Cody Ceci, who lost a puck battle to Sam Bennett on the Panthers’ second goal of Game 1, is expected to be a healthy scratch. Vincent Desharnais would move to his spot alongside Darnell Nurse.
“Vinny has played very well for us this year, whether it’s been through the playoffs or regular season,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters before Game 2. “We have a lot of confidence in him. He can move the puck out. He’s a big defender. … We have an excellent capable person who hasn’t been playing the last few games. We feel that he can help us.”
What is the expected goaltending matchup?
Panthers' Bobrovsky (13-5, 2.08 goals-against average, .915 save percentage) vs. Oilers' Stuart Skinner (11-6, 2.47, .897)
Is all of Canada rooting for the Edmonton Oilers?
The Oilers might be the last Canadian team standing, but that doesn’t mean all Canadians are rooting for them to end the country’s decades-long Stanley Cup drought.
That became clear when the Calgary Tower social media site noted that the structure will be lit orange and blue on Monday night for Action Anxiety Day and not for the Oilers.
“We’ve got love for our (neighbors) to the north and all across this province, but no. Never,” the tower’s X (formerly Twitter) account said.
The Battle of Alberta between the Flames and Oilers is one of the NHL’s fiercest.
What was the last Canadian team to win a Stanley Cup?
The Montreal Canadiens won in 1993. Read more on Canada’s Stanley Cup drought.
How many Stanley Cup titles have the Panthers won?
None. They reached the final previously in 1996 and 2023.
How many Stanley Cup titles have the Oilers won?
Five. They won in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1990. They also went to the final in 1983 and 2006.
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