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Oilers Stun Panthers With Overtime Comeback in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Edmonton fights back from a 3-1 deficit to seal dramatic OT win over Florida as Draisaitl and McDavid rise to the moment again

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Leon Draisaitl celebrates after scoring the Game 1 overtime winner against the Panthers at Rogers Place Daily Global Diary - Authentic Global News
Leon Draisaitl celebrates after scoring the Game 1 overtime winner against the Panthers at Rogers Place.

Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final proved one thing for certain — this series is going to be a battle until the very last second. The Edmonton Oilers overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat the Florida Panthers 4-3 in a thrilling overtime finish that reminded fans exactly why this is the most intense postseason in sports.

Backed by deafening support from the home crowd at Rogers Place, Edmonton opened the game strong, with Leon Draisaitl drawing first blood just 1:06 into the match. But the early advantage quickly turned as Florida responded with a fierce offensive burst, leading 3-1 by the middle of the second period. From there, it became a test of character — and that’s where the Oilers showed just how far they’ve come since their heartbreak in last year’s finals.


“It’s huge,” admitted goaltender Stuart Skinner, who delivered clutch saves throughout the night. “We were here last year, and this time we knew what it would take to stay alive.”

Viktor Arvidsson sparked the comeback with a crucial goal late in the second period, followed by Mattias Ekholm’s equalizer early in the third — a period where Edmonton completely dominated, outshooting Florida 14-2 and controlling possession like a team possessed.

Overtime brought with it moments of chaos, tension, and survival. The Panthers had their chances — a breakaway, a flurry at the faceoff circle, and multiple point-blank shots — but Skinner and the defense held the line. Then came the moment that changed everything: a delay of game penalty by Tomas Nosek, opening the door for Edmonton’s deadly power play unit.

Just when it seemed the game might stretch into a second overtime, Connor McDavid found Draisaitl in a seam, and the German forward buried the puck with just 1:06 left on the clock — silencing Florida and sending Rogers Place into a frenzy.


“You work all year for these moments,” McDavid said post-game. “But one game doesn’t win you the Cup. We’re focused on what’s next.”

For the Oilers, Game 1 wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. It erased ghosts from last season, proved their ability to claw back under pressure, and set the tone for what looks to be another epic series.

On the other side, Panthers coach Paul Maurice acknowledged the intensity and fine margins. “It was honest, it was fast, and it was hard. This has the makings of a seven-game classic,” he remarked.

With Game 2 set for Friday, both teams now face a mental battle as much as a physical one. Edmonton has the momentum, but Florida has been here before — and they’re not going down without a fight.

Ice Hockey

Colorado College Unveils Power-Packed Hockey Schedule for 2025 That Will Test Every Limit

The Tigers gear up for a thrilling 2025-26 season facing multiple NCAA giants, with ticket demand already soaring

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Colorado College Unveils Power-Packed Hockey Schedule for 2025 That Will Test Every Limit
Colorado College prepares for a fierce 2025-26 hockey season with powerhouse opponents and packed arenas on the horizon.

Colorado College has officially pulled the curtain back on its 2025-26 hockey schedule—and it’s nothing short of a gauntlet. One of the most ambitious lineups in the country, the upcoming season will see the Tigers clash with 10 teams from the 2025 NCAA Tournament and 17 matchups against squads ranked in last season’s USCHO Top-20 poll. For fans and rivals alike, this schedule sends a clear message: the Tigers are not just participating—they’re hunting for national relevance.

The action begins with back-to-back home series at the Ed Robson Arena, where the Tigers will host NCAA contenders UConn on October 3–4 and Bentley on October 10. The very next night, the highly anticipated Pikes Peak Trophy rivalry will return to the ice as CC travels to Cadet Ice Arena for a one-game showdown with Air Force—an honor the Tigers have defended since 2018.


The grind intensifies fast. October wraps with road games at Northern Michigan before CC launches its NCHC campaign by welcoming Omaha on Halloween weekend. November offers no mercy, with a road test at Arizona State followed by the first two chapters of the iconic Gold Pan battle against Denver, who reached the national semifinals last season. These back-to-back duels—Nov. 14 at Magness Arena and Nov. 15 at Robson—promise to be fan magnets.

The first half of the season will close with a stacked home schedule. The Tigers host Minnesota Duluth and NCAA qualifier Providence in late November, followed by a challenging trip to Miami in mid-December. But the fireworks don’t stop there. After New Year’s, CC heads to Augustana and prepares for 14 straight league matchups—including marquee series against North Dakota, Arizona State, and reigning national champs Western Michigan.

One unique twist in the 2025-26 calendar? For the first time since 2017-18, the climactic Gold Pan series won’t end the regular season. Instead, fans will see the Tigers and Pioneers square off earlier—Feb. 6 in Colorado Springs and Feb. 7 in Denver.

Colorado College will not host St. Cloud State or Miami this season, nor will they travel to North Dakota or Western Michigan—decisions driven by the conference rotation. Yet with so many heavyweight matchups on the slate, there’s no shortage of must-watch moments for diehard fans.

To cap it all off, the revamped NCHC playoff format returns, with the top eight teams battling it out over three weeks entirely on campus ice. Quarterfinals run March 6–8, followed by single-game semifinals on March 14, and the championship finale slated for either March 20 or 21. From there, the road leads to the 2026 NCAA Tournament on March 26, and possibly to the Frozen Four in Las Vegas from April 9–11—an event where NCHC teams have dominated, claiming seven of the last nine titles.

With every home game at Robson Arena selling out since its debut in 2021, the ticket frenzy is expected to hit new highs. Fans hoping to witness this action-packed journey live are encouraged to join the official waitlist via www.cctigers.com/tickets.

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Pat Verbeek Net Worth Draws Attention as Ducks GM Reshapes NHL Franchise

The former NHL star turned Anaheim Ducks general manager has quietly built a powerful fortune both on and off the ice

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Pat Verbeek Net Worth 2025 – How Rich Is the Ducks GM After a Bold Offseason?
Ducks GM Pat Verbeek strategizing during the NHL Draft—blending decades of hockey experience with front-office brilliance.

Pat Verbeek, known in his playing days as “The Little Ball of Hate,” is now making major waves behind the scenes as the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks. With his recent strategic trades—including acquiring veteran Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers—Verbeek has reignited fan interest not just in the team’s future, but in his own impressive career arc and net worth.

Verbeek enjoyed a remarkable NHL playing career spanning over two decades, suiting up for franchises like the Hartford Whalers, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, and Dallas Stars. Over 1,400 games later—with more than 1,000 points and over 2,900 penalty minutes to his name—the gritty right winger retired and began transitioning into front-office roles.

As of 2025, Pat Verbeek’s estimated net worth is between $12 million and $15 million, based on publicly available career earnings, investments, and executive salaries. While his earnings as a player were substantial during the NHL’s pre-salary cap era, his wealth has grown steadily thanks to his savvy post-retirement roles.

Pat Verbeek Daily Global Diary - Authentic Global News



After retiring in 2002, Verbeek worked as a professional scout for the Detroit Red Wings and later became the assistant general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning under Steve Yzerman. These roles not only deepened his knowledge of player evaluation and team construction but also boosted his financial profile. In 2022, he was hired as the general manager of the Anaheim Ducks—a high-stakes job with significant compensation, reportedly in the seven-figure annual salary range.

As GM, the former Stanley Cup winner with Detroit in 1997 has been tasked with one of the most challenging rebuilds in the NHL. Under his watch, the Ducks have pivoted to acquire young talent, build a strong prospect pool, and bring in respected veterans like Kreider to balance the locker room. Each of these decisions is carefully calculated—not only on the ice but also in the financial blueprint of the franchise.

Off the rink, Pat Verbeek has largely stayed out of the spotlight, but sources suggest he has made wise real estate and retirement investments, ensuring long-term financial stability. With his aggressive hockey philosophy now reshaping the Ducks’ identity, Verbeek continues to prove that he’s as tough in the boardroom as he was on the boards.

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Alex Killorn Net Worth Soars Amid New Chapter With the Anaheim Ducks

The Stanley Cup champion’s earnings and investments highlight his success beyond the rink as he enters the twilight of his career

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Alex Killorn Net Worth 2025 – What Is the Ducks Veteran Forward Worth Today?
Alex Killorn celebrates a goal during his time with the Lightning—now bringing veteran presence and playoff wisdom to Anaheim.

Alex Killorn, the seasoned NHL forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion, has built a career that blends grit, scoring, and consistency. Following a long and successful stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Killorn now skates for the Anaheim Ducks, bringing with him not just championship pedigree—but also a multimillion-dollar net worth that continues to grow.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and raised in Montreal, Killorn was drafted 77th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2007 NHL Draft. He rose through the ranks and became a core part of the Lightning’s dynasty years, contributing crucial goals in their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. As of 2025, Alex Killorn’s estimated net worth is between $18 million and $22 million, according to financial sources within the NHL community.

Much of Killorn’s fortune is attributed to his steady earnings across 11 seasons with Tampa Bay and his recent contract with Anaheim. In 2023, he signed a four-year, $25 million deal with the Ducks—one of the biggest signings of that off-season. The contract carries an average annual value of $6.25 million, underscoring the veteran winger’s continued value even as he enters his mid-30s.

Alex Killorn Daily Global Diary - Authentic Global News
Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images.

The Stanley Cup winner is not just a force on the ice; off the ice, he has smartly navigated the business world. Killorn has gained attention for his digital ventures, particularly during the pandemic when he launched a light-hearted Instagram series called Dock Talk, featuring interviews with teammates and rivals. The success of this venture opened doors to potential media opportunities and boosted his endorsement appeal.

Now with the Ducks, the Harvard-educated forward is viewed as a mentor figure, helping groom the next generation of Anaheim stars. While his offensive output may taper in coming years, his leadership, playoff experience, and business acumen ensure he remains an asset to any franchise—and his bank account reflects that.

Alex Killorn’s journey is a testament to consistency, professionalism, and adaptability. As he continues to transition into the latter stages of his career, he remains financially secure, culturally relevant, and an admired figure in the NHL landscape.

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