Draisaitl ended it on the power play with just 31 seconds left in OT, hammering home a one-timer after a slick passing sequence that started with Evan Bouchard and ended on Connor McDavid’s stick. The Panthers had been assessed a delay of game penalty for Tomas Nosek flipping the puck over the glass, giving the Oilers a late opportunity they didn’t waste.

“We’ve got to reset and get ready for Game 2, but that one felt pretty special,” Draisaitl said. “Some incredible plays by the guys to make that happen.”

The Oilers had to climb out of a 3–1 hole after Florida scored three straight goals in the first half of the game. Sam Bennett had two of them, and Brad Marchand added a power-play marker after Edmonton lost a goaltender interference challenge. But Viktor Arvidsson gave the Oilers life just 77 seconds after Bennett’s second, cutting the lead to 3–2 with a quick release from the left side.

Mattias Ekholm tied the game midway through the third period on a setup from McDavid, who sent a backhand pass across the slot from below the goal line. Edmonton completely tilted the ice from there, outshooting Florida 14–2 in the third and dominating possession in overtime before finally cashing in.

It was a gutsy performance from goaltender Stuart Skinner, who allowed three goals on the first eight shots but locked it down after that. He finished with 29 saves, including a huge stop on Evan Rodrigues in overtime with Aleksander Barkov screening in front.

“I just had to stay with it,” Skinner said. “The only thing that matters is the next shot.”

McDavid was all over the ice, notching two primary assists and making key defensive plays, including a crucial backcheck on Bennett in the first. His playmaking helped swing the game in Edmonton’s favor after a rocky start.

The Panthers had been undefeated when leading after the first or second period in the Paul Maurice era, but that perfect record is gone. Sergei Bobrovsky made 42 saves in the loss and gave his team every chance, but Florida’s defensive zone coverage began to unravel late.

Game 2 is Friday night in Edmonton, and both teams are already expecting another tight battle.

“It’s going to be one of those series,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “Fast, physical, no fluff. That’s what we signed up for.”