Don Cherry Finds One Positive in Oilers' Blowout Loss to Panthers

Don Cherry Finds One Positive in Oilers’ Blowout Loss to Panthers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Before the puck dropped on Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, Don Cherry expected the Florida Panthers to start strong.

The longtime broadcaster and former coach told listeners on his podcast that Florida would “come out smoking” in their return home with the series tied 1–1.

Cherry was right about the start and the final result, as the Panthers overwhelmed the Edmonton Oilers in a 6–1 win Monday, taking a 2–1 lead in the series.

Edmonton committed 21 penalties, including 16 in the third period alone, leading to a total of 85 penalty minutes—the highest in a Cup Final game since 1986.

Cherry shared his reaction to Game 3 after the final horn, and he did not shy away from criticizing Edmonton’s collapse while finding a positive in the Oilers’ brutal loss to the Panthers.

“It was a tough Game 3 for the Oilers, but at least they went down swinging,” Cherry posted on X.

Florida Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich (12) and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) fight during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Cherry predicted a Panthers win in Game 3 but reiterated that he believes Edmonton will win the Cup — a stance he first took a week ago.

The third period of Game 3 unraveled entirely, punctuated by a full-line brawl sparked by a confrontation involving Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Ten players were involved in the fight, and three from each team were ejected with game misconducts.

Despite Monday’s blowout and the Oilers’ discipline issues, Don Cherry continues to back Edmonton to take the series.

Game 4 is Thursday night in Sunrise, FL, with Florida looking to extend its lead before going back to Edmonton on Saturday.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.

Don Cherry Finds One Positive in Oilers’ Blowout Loss to Panthers

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