Controversy Surrounds Sam Bennett Goal in Oilers’ Game 1 Victory
On June 5, 2025, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, controversy erupted over a goal scored by Sam Bennett that almost cost the Oilers the game. Despite Edmonton ultimately securing a 4-3 overtime victory, the drama surrounding goalie interference and a challenged call added an extra layer of tension to the matchup.
The pivotal moment came midway through the first period when Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers tied the game at 1-1 with a tip-in goal. However, the goal was immediately challenged by the Oilers, who claimed that Bennett had interfered with goaltender Stuart Skinner before scoring. The ensuing review and ruling were based on Rule 38.11 (ii), which addresses instances where a defending player causes contact with the attacking player.
Despite the challenge by Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, the officials determined that Sam Bennett’s goal would stand, much to the dismay of the Edmonton team. This decision proved to be costly for the Oilers initially, but they managed to regroup and secure a hard-fought victory in overtime.
In the end, the controversy surrounding Sam Bennett’s goal added an extra layer of intensity to an already electrifying Stanley Cup Final matchup between two determined teams.
