Edmonton Oilers Take Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Oilers edge Panthers 5-3 in series opener

Connor McDavid leads the way with a goal and two assists

The Edmonton Oilers took an early lead in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final with a 5-3 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 on Saturday night.

Connor McDavid led the way for the Oilers with a goal and two assists, while Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard each added a goal and an assist.

The Panthers got on the board first with a goal from Aleksander Barkov in the first period, but the Oilers responded with three unanswered goals in the second period to take a 3-1 lead.

The Panthers cut the lead to 3-2 in the third period on a goal from Anthony Duclair, but McDavid extended the Oilers' lead back to two goals with his goal at 10:42 of the third period.

Florida made it a one-goal game again with a goal from Sam Reinhart with just over five minutes remaining, but the Oilers held on for the victory.

Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Monday night in Edmonton.