Panthers recover, defeat Oilers in Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final for 1st title

Verhaeghe gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead at 4:27 of the primary interval, six seconds after their first energy play of the sport expired. 

He performed the puck from behind the web to Evan Rodrigues alongside the left wall, and Rodrigues whipped a shot from there to the web. It regarded prefer it was going extensive proper, however Verhaeghe received his stick on it in entrance, deflecting it down and thru Skinner’s legs.

It was Verhaeghe’s first aim since Recreation 1 and the primary time the Panthers led since Recreation 3.

“The final couple video games they scored so many targets off the hop, and to play with the lead, it felt good,” Verhaeghe stated.

The Oilers received the aim again shortly with Janmark scoring on a breakaway to make it 1-1 at 6:44.

“I assumed they have been the higher staff within the first interval,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch stated. “I assumed they got here out with a bit of extra urgency and gained a number of puck races. I assumed we defended nicely. I assumed within the second and the third interval, I assumed we discovered our sport, I assumed we performed nicely, however could not capitalize on our alternatives.” 

As an alternative, it was Reinhart giving Florida a 2-1 lead at 15:11 of the second interval, scoring with a low, short-side shot from inside the correct face-off circle.

Florida defenseman Dmitry Kulikov cleared the puck away from the Panthers crease earlier than he fell into the web. The puck went to Verhaeghe, who moved it as much as Reinhart. 

Reinhart was searching for a move as he went by means of the impartial zone and throughout the blue line, however ultimately selected to shoot, and the puck squeezed by means of Skinner to offer Florida its second lead of the sport.

“You are hoping that is it, proper?” Reinhart stated. “I imply, there was a number of work to do, a number of sport left, however completely I am hoping that is the one.”