Oilers Fall in Series Opener to Panthers

Mikkola, Stenlund Lead Edmonton's Offensive Charge

Florida Takes Early Series Advantage with 4-1 Victory

The Edmonton Oilers dropped the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night, falling 4-1 at Rogers Place.

Niko Mikkola led the way for Edmonton with a pair of goals, while Kevin Stenlund added three points. However, it wasn't enough to overcome a strong performance from the Panthers, who were led by Carter Verhaeghe's two goals and Sam Bennett's three-point night.

The Panthers took an early lead when Verhaeghe scored just 33 seconds into the game. Evan Rodrigues made it 2-0 midway through the first period, and Eetu Loustarinen extended the lead to 3-0 before the end of the frame.

Mikkola got the Oilers on the board with a power-play goal in the second period, but Verhaeghe answered back with his second goal of the game to restore the Panthers' three-goal lead.

Sergei Bobrovsky made 38 saves in net for the Panthers, while Mikko Koskinen stopped 34 shots for the Oilers.

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played in Edmonton on Saturday night.