Panthers Strike First in Stanley Cup Final

Bobrovsky Shuts Out Oilers in Game 1

Florida takes early series lead with 3-0 victory

In a battle of high-powered offenses, it was the Florida Panthers' defense that stole the show in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped all 29 shots he faced to earn the shutout, while Evan Rodrigues scored twice in the third period to lift the Panthers to a 3-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

The Panthers took control of the game in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals to break open a tight contest. Rodrigues got the scoring started with a power-play goal at 10:10, and then added an empty-netter with just over a minute remaining. In between, Carter Verhaeghe scored a shorthanded goal to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.

The Oilers, who led the NHL in scoring during the regular season, were held in check by Bobrovsky and the Panthers' defense. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman combined for just six shots on goal.