Leon Draisaitl’s OT goal helps Oilers defeat Panthers 5-4, leveling Stanley Cup Final series.

Leon Draisaitl scored in overtime for the fourth time this postseason, leading the Edmonton Oilers to a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final. This win tied the series after the Oilers rallied from a three-goal deficit and responded effectively after conceding a late equalizer.

Jake Walman gave the Oilers their first lead with just over six minutes remaining in the third period, but the Panthers’ Sam Reinhart managed to tie the game with only 19.5 seconds left, forcing the match into overtime. Notably, three of the first four games in this Final have gone to extra time, a rarity last seen in 2013 and only the fifth occurrence in NHL history.

Draisaitl’s overtime goal, scored 11:18 into the extra period, allowed the series to return to Western Canada at a level score. Game 5, part of an intense back-and-forth series between two strong teams, is scheduled for Saturday night in Edmonton.

“We’re a resilient group. We’re never going to quit no matter what,” Draisaitl remarked after the game, acknowledging the fortunate bounce that facilitated the victory.

With his fourth overtime goal of the postseason, Draisaitl set a new NHL playoff record, surpassing notable players such as Matthew Tkachuk and Corey Perry. This comeback from a 3-0 deficit marked an impressive milestone, as the Oilers became the first road team to achieve this feat in the Final since the Montreal Canadiens in 1919.

Despite a shaky start, where the Oilers fell behind due to goals from Tkachuk and Lundell, the tide turned when Calvin Pickard replaced Stuart Skinner in goal. Pickard made critical saves that paved the way for Edmonton’s remarkable comeback.

The Oilers demonstrated remarkable resilience, refusing to back down and showing they are determined to compete for the championship title, now only a few victories away from glory.