SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers pushed the 2025 Stanley Cup Final to the brink of insanity in Game 4, battling into overtime for the third time in the series, igniting a social media storm that had fans on edge. The Panthers, leading 2-1 in the series, aimed to tighten their grip at Amerant Bank Arena, while the Oilers fought to even the score. What unfolded was a heart-pounding, penalty-filled thriller that ended with Sam Reinhart’s tying goal with just 20 seconds left in regulation, forcing yet another sudden-death showdown. It’s Oilers vs. Panthers baby.
The game started with a Panthers onslaught, as they surged to a 3-0 lead in the first period with goals from Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Carter Verhaeghe. Edmonton, refusing to fold, swapped goaltenders, pulling Stuart Skinner for Calvin Pickard. The move sparked a rally, with Jake Walman’s booming slap shot in the third giving Edmonton a 4-3 lead. But Reinhart’s late heroics, capitalizing on a pulled Sergei Bobrovsky, sent the game to overtime, marking the 100th overtime game in Stanley Cup Final history.
Social media erupted as fans and analysts dissected the chaos. Posts on X captured the frenzy: “This series is WILD! Third OT in four games? Oilers-Panthers delivering all-time classic!” Another user raved, “Reinhart with the clutch goal! Panthers never quit! #StanleyCup.” Oilers fans, meanwhile, were torn between frustration and hope: “How do we blow a 3-0 lead AND come back from 3-0 down in the same game? Edmonton hockey, baby!” The intensity of the series, with its physicality and momentum swings, fueled endless memes and hot takes across platforms.
The Panthers’ relentless forecheck and 11 power-play opportunities in Game 3 set the tone for Game 4’s chippy play, with 140 combined penalty minutes in the series. Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, despite a quiet Game 3, was a focal point online, with fans pleading, “McDavid, it’s time to go full McJesus in OT!” Florida’s Marchand, at 37, continued his record-breaking tear, becoming the oldest player to score in the first three games of a Final, adding fuel to the social media fire.
As overtime loomed, the hockey world held its breath. Would Edmonton tie the series, or would Florida move one win from repeating as champions? With the Oilers’ resilience and the Panthers’ physical dominance, Game 4’s overtime promised more drama. Social media buzzed with anticipation, proving this Stanley Cup Final is a spectacle that transcends the ice.
Oilers vs. Panthers. Cinema.
In the meantime, check out U.S. Open fun here.
Or just enjoy Oilers vs. Panthers.
Social Media in Frenzy to Oilers vs. Panthers