NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — Watch: Brad Marchand and Darnell Nurse trade several body shots behind the net - Source: Imagn

Watch: Brad Marchand and Darnell Nurse trade several body shots behind the net

Modified Jun 05, 2025 09:56 GMT

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand and Edmonton Oilers blue liner Darnell Nurse engaged in some extracurricular activity during the second period of Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

The two veterans went at it behind the Oilers’ net following a big save from Edmonton netminder Stuart Skinner on a shot from Gustav Forsling.

Here’s a look at the wild action:

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The tussle took place with a little under four minutes to go in the middle frame with the Panthers up 3-2 on the Oilers. The exchange did not turn into a full-blown altercation though it could have. So, no penalties were issued during the incident.

Brad Marchand has lived up to his reputation as a pest during the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final, playing up to his usual antics as he looks to get under the Oilers’ skin.

Plus, Marchand’s first-period power-play goal was just another way the former Boston Bruins captain can find ways of making other team’s lives miserable.

With 20 more minutes to play in Game 1, Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers will be looking to seal the victory and the crucial early lead in this spring’s Stanley Cup Final series.

Brad Marchand scores for Florida Panthers in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Brad Marchand got a key goal for the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final - Source: Imagn

Brad Marchand was a key factor for the Florida Panthers in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Marchand scored a crucial goal in the first period to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead.

Here’s a look at the goal:

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Panthers blue liner Nate Schmidt took a shot-pass that found Marchand on the far side of the net, ready for the tip-in.

The goal was Marchand’s first since Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes and his fifth of the postseason. The tally was also Marchand’s 61st postseason goal in his 175th game.

Those impressive numbers underscore why the Florida Panthers acquired Marchand at this year’s trade deadline. The Cats wanted a highly experienced player who could come up big in key situations.

Unfortunately for Marchand and the Panthers, they dropped Game 1 4-3 in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers. But knowing how resilient Marchand and the Panthers are, they will come out strong in Game 2 on Friday night.

The Panthers will be counting on Marchand’s experience to lead them, as the club looks to tie the series before heading back to Florida for Games 3 and 4.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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