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Stuart Skinner Breaks Silence on Panthers' Controversial First Goal in Game 1

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 11:03 AM ET

Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner broke his silence on the first goal the Panthers scored in Game 1, which was full of controversy after he was interfered with.

It didn't take long for a bit of controversy to hit the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. Halfway through the first period of Game 1 on Wednesday, the Florida Panthers tied things up at 1-1, thanks to a tip-in goal from Sam Bennett.

The Edmonton Oilers were not convinced the goal should have counted, however, so they challenged the play for what they believed was goalie interference.

Replays showed Bennett made contact with Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner inside Edmonton's crease as the goal was scored, but officials deemed the contact was originally initiated by Brett Kulak.

Skinner was not happy at all about this and broke his silence, saying he had absolutely no chance to make that save.

'My vantage point - in the moment, anyways - I had no chance to make a save. I always think I have some sort of chance to make a save, but in that scenario, there wasn't really anything I could have done. The guy was right on me. I couldn't do anything, so I just thought, 'Oh, it's an easy challenge, no goal.'
Then I talked to the ref, and he obviously said that he tripped over our guys' stick and that's kind of what happened.'

- Stuart Skinner

The Oilers got a delay of game for the failed challenge, and Florida scored again

The failed challenge proved costly in more ways than one. Not only did Bennett's 11th goal of the post-season stand, but the Oilers were also assessed a delay of game minor penalty for the failed challenge, which haunted them further.

Florida made the most of the man-advantage as Brad Marchand took a cross-ice pass and buried it at the 7:30 mark of the opening frame for his fifth goal of the playoffs.

Fortunately for the Oilers, that moment didn't come back to fully haunt them as Edmonton rallied from down as much as 3-1 to win 4-3 in overtime after Leon Draisaitl scored a thrilling goal.

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

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