EDMONTON -- Leon Draisaitl lifted his arms in the air like conquering heroes are apt to do, celebrating his overtime winner in the Edmonton Oilers’ dramatic 4-3 win over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on Wednesday.

What a difference a year makes.

It was just 12 months ago that hand and rib injuries significantly hampered the Oilers center in the 2024 Final that the Panthers ended up winning in seven games. Indeed, just the simple task of raising his hands above his head 12 months ago like he did in jubilation on this night might have been nearly impossible, given the pain he was playing through.

This time around, he’s feeling much fresher as part of the Oilers’ attempt at retribution against the Panthers. And as his teammates know, a he

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