The first period got off to a scorching start. The Panthers secured the game's first power play on a high-sticking penalty by Warren Foegele less than three minutes in.
Foegele threatened the Oilers' 2-1 lead with a shot from the right goal line into a crowded net. But Florida's Dmitry Kulikov pushed the puck away, and the Panthers secured it to go on the attack. Center Sam Reinhart converted the opportunity on the other end with a slapshot from the right wing that found the back of the net for a 2-1 Panthers lead, sending Florida's eager home crowd into a frenzy.