The opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers was nothing short of electrifying, not just for the action on the ice, but for the storm of controversy that erupted in its wake.

With both teams fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ice, Game 1 delivered the kind of high-stakes drama that only playoff hockey can provide. However, the spotlight quickly shifted from the players to the officials after a pivotal goaltender interference challenge involving Panthers forward Sam Bennett. The NHL’s decision to uphold the goal, despite heated objections from Oilers fans and a chorus of boos echoing through Rogers Place, has become the talk of the hockey world.

Social media exploded with debate as video replays appeared to show Bennett skillfully maneuvering in the crease, raising questions about the league’s interpretation of the rules and the consistency of officiating in critical moments. As the dust settles and both teams regroup for the next battle, the controversy has only added fuel to the fierce rivalry brewing on the ice, setting the stage for an unforgettable series where every call—and every play—will be scrutinized under the brightest lights in hockey.

Photo credit: USA Today

During the second period of game one of the Stanley Cup finals, NHL public relations released a video explaining why the Oilers lost their goaltender interference challenge against Sam Bennett.

The NHL explained in their view that Bennett was pushed into Stuart Skinner from Oilers defenseman Brett Kulak which negated the no interference call and put the Oilers on the penalty kill.

Close up video shows Bennett using his feet to sell the no call

The boo’s rained down from Rogers Place after the call was made, a video had surfaced on X.com showing Bennett using his feet in a certain way to make it look like Bennett was pushed by Kulak.

Video review confirmed that the actions of Edmonton’s Brett Kulak caused Florida’s Sam Bennett to contact Stuart Skinner prior to his goal.

The decision was made in accordance with Note 2 of Rule 38.11 (ii) which states, in part, that the goal should be allowed because «the attacking Player was pushed, shoved or fouled by the defending Player causing the attacking Player to come into contact with the goalkeeper.»

– NHL Public Relations

Bennett is well known throughout the NHL especially in the playoffs who uses himself in a certain way to injure goaltenders as he did against the Toronto Maple Leafs and their goaltender Anthony Stolarz or sell calls around the net.

This penalty was costly as Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand was able to score a power play goal at 12:30 which put the Panthers up 2-1.

Oilers look to their resilience after non call

The Oilers have taken a major step forward in their playoff hockey as they have become a resilient team after bad calls or even bad periods of play.

The team turned their fortunes around during round one against the Los Angeles Kings after going down the first two games in the series.

Since then, the Oilers have played sound defense along with enjoying their offence where they shut down and made quick work of the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars both beaten in five games.

The team will continue to push to try to win game one and will prepare for Game 2 which is set to begin on Friday June 6th and game time will be at 8:00 PM eastern.