The Edmonton Oilers overcame a daunting start in Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, staging a dramatic comeback to win in overtime and even the series at 2-2 against the Florida Panthers. Leon Draisaitl scored the overtime game-winning goal on home ice, injecting new life into the Oilers’ championship hopes as the series shifts back to Canada.

Edmonton Overcomes Early Deficit to Force Overtime

The Oilers looked overwhelmed after the first period, trailing 3-0 and outshot 17-7 by the Panthers, who had just delivered a crushing victory in Game 3. Facing a crucial moment in their season, Edmonton urgently needed a turnaround to stay competitive in the final series. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sparked the resurgence by scoring in the second period, followed by goals from Darnell Nurse and Vasily Podkolzin that tied the score. Jake Walman then put the Oilers ahead 4-3 in the third period.

However, Florida refused to back down, with Sam Reinhart scoring less than 20 seconds before the end of regulation to force overtime. Amid an intense postseason atmosphere, Draisaitl delivered the decisive goal at 11:18 of extra time, backhanding the puck past Panthers’ goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to secure the win.

Leon Draisaitl Highlights Team’s Resilience Under Pressure

Following the game, Draisaitl expressed confidence in the squad’s perseverance and mental strength. He told Gene Principe,

“We’re a resilient group, and we’re never going to quit, no matter what. We’ll take it and go home.”

The Oilers star, who contributed two assists in addition to the game-winner, emphasized the team’s commitment to pushing through adversity.

“Once again, shows you, tells you, that our group never quits,”

Draisaitl said.

“I think we believe that no matter how bad it is, if we get over that hump of adversity, we’re going to keep pushing. We’re going to keep coming. Eventually, it will break.”

He also acknowledged the team’s slow start in the first period.

“We wanted to come out strong tonight, but they put us on our heels early, and we were kind of lollygagging around a little bit,”

Draisaitl reflected.

“It’s certainly not the time to lollygag around, right, especially after getting spanked in Game 3.”

Corey Perry’s Speech Marked a Turning Point in the Locker Room

The dramatic shift in momentum reportedly began with a motivational speech by veteran forward Corey Perry during the first intermission, aimed at waking the team up. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins summarized Perry’s message to the media as

“Wake up. Look where we are and the position we’re in.”

This moment reignited the Oilers’ determination to claw back into the series.

Series Now Tied as Final Moves Back to Edmonton

With the series knotted 2-2, the stakes rise for Game 5 on Saturday night, where Edmonton holds the advantage of home ice. The comeback win not only boosts morale but also changes the dynamic of the Stanley Cup Final, adding intensity to the remaining games scheduled in Canada. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see if the Oilers can maintain their momentum or if the Panthers will respond.