Rogers Place in Edmonton was the electrifying stage for a Game 2 thriller that saw the Florida Panthers even the Stanley Cup Final series against the Edmonton Oilers with a nail-biting 5-4 double-overtime victory. Brad Marchand, the Panthers' key acquisition, emerged as the hero, netting the game-winning goal and showcasing exactly why Florida brought him in.

The game was a rollercoaster from the start, with both teams trading blows in a high-scoring affair. Edmonton jumped out to an early lead, scoring three goals in the first 13 minutes. However, the Panthers responded with a surge of their own. Marchand proved instrumental, scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period to put the Panthers ahead.

As the clock ticked down in regulation, the Oilers found themselves in desperation mode. With just over two minutes remaining and trailing by one, they pulled their goalie, Stuart Skinner, for an extra attacker. The gamble paid off when veteran Corey Perry, at 40 years old, jammed home a loose puck with a mere 17.8 seconds left on the clock, sending the game into overtime.

The first overtime period was a tense, back-and-forth battle. Both teams had golden opportunities to end the game, with the Panthers even hitting the post. Skinner made a crucial save on Marchand, denying him what could have been the game-winner.

It wasn't until 8:05 into the second overtime that Marchand finally sealed the deal. After Edmonton's Mattias Ekholm missed the net, the puck bounced out to center ice, where Anton Lundell fed a pass to Marchand who broke in alone on Skinner. Marchand slipped a backhand shot past Skinner's pad, sending the Panthers into a frenzy of celebration.

Marchand's performance was a testament to his veteran skill and playoff experience. He not only scored the game-winning goal but also contributed a shorthanded goal earlier in the game. His ability to come through in crucial moments has been a major boost for the Panthers.

Sergei Bobrovsky, the Panthers' goaltender, also played a significant role in the victory. After a shaky start, allowing three goals on the first seven shots, he settled down and stopped 24 of the next 25 shots he faced, keeping the Panthers in the game and allowing them to eventually mount their comeback.

The series now shifts back to Florida, tied at 1-1. The Panthers have regained home-ice advantage and will look to capitalize on the momentum from this thrilling victory. The Oilers, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to solve Bobrovsky and contain the Panthers' offensive attack, especially Marchand.