Despite taking a 3-1 lead at one point in the second period, the Florida Panthers lost Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Edmonton Oilers, 4-3, on an overtime goal from star center Leon Draisaitl on Thursday night. The overtime defeat was already a tough pill to swallow but even more so because of a critical error made by fourth-line center Tomas Nosek, who was assessed a delay of game penalty after hitting the puck over the glass while attempting to clear it from the defensive zone with 1:42 left in the overtime period.
Moments later on the ensuing power play, Draisaitl scored the game-winning goal on an assist from Oilers captain Connor McDavid. After the game, Panthers coach Paul Maurice defended Nosek, and had a resilient message for the 10-year NHL veteran.
