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Panthers' Carter Verhaeghe Causes Drama With Morning Skate Antics Directed at the Oilers

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 1:30 PM ET

During morning skate ahead of tonight's Game 6, Panthers' Carter Verhaeghe remained on the ice for quite some time, purposely delaying the Oilers' practice.

Carter Verhaeghe's surprise to stay on the ice longer than usual during the morning skate of the Florida Panthers caused disruption to the Edmonton Oilers' pre-Game 6 routine, adding further to the drama of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Panthers' morning skate went beyond 11 a.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena, conflicting with the 11:30 a.m. opening time of the Oilers.

Typically, there are a few Edmonton players who enjoy getting on the ice a little earlier for some solo skating, but Verhaeghe's delayed exit made it difficult.

The Oilers practised on uncleaned ice in order to not waste more time

TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported that the Oilers actually requested arena personnel not to flood the ice, hoping to allow Vasily Podkolzin and a few others to begin their routines before the Panthers cleared the ice entirely.

While it's unclear whether Verhaeghe's longer-than-usual skate was a tactic or simply a part of his personal ritual, the 29-year-old left winger did momentarily interrupt the Oilers' rhythm heading into a crucial Game 6.

Verhaeghe has been playing a big part for Florida in the Stanley Cup Final with one goal and six points in five games. He logged 16:40 of ice time and delivered three hits in Game 5, the second-lowest amount of ice time he's had in the series.

Aside from the temporary pregame outlier, Panthers team reporter Jameson Olive confirmed there are no lineup adjustments expected heading into Game 6. Florida leads the series 3-2 and can capture the Stanley Cup at home Tuesday night.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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