Florida Panthers Dominate Edmonton Oilers in Physical Stanley Cup Final Game 3

Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers descended into chaos, culminating in a 6-1 rout by the Panthers and an intense, multi-player brawl. The game featured a staggering 140 penalty minutes and several ejections, including Florida’s Sam Bennett and Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse and Trent Frederic, following a cross-check and ensuing punches that ignited widespread fighting. The Panthers have adopted a strategy of pushing the limits of playoff officiating, exploiting the NHL's lenient penalty calls during postseason games, which contributed to the game's disorderly nature. Despite the turmoil, Florida secured a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4, with Bennett emerging as the favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy due to his four goals in three games, surpassing Edmonton’s Connor McDavid who has yet to score but has five assists. The escalating hostilities and physical play suggest that Game 4 will be highly contentious as both teams continue their fight for the Stanley Cup. The NHL's handling of playoff officiating has been criticized for enabling such chaotic and aggressive gameplay.