Evan Rodrigues and Niko Mikkola Shine in Panthers' Game 2 Stanley Cup Finals Triumph

Monday, June 10th, 2024

After two games in the Stanley Cup Final, Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues and defenseman Niko Mikkola have collectively outscored the Edmonton Oilers stars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman. Rodrigues scored twice on Monday, totaling three goals in the Final. Mikkola tied the game in the second period with the second playoff goal of his career. Florida's defensive strategy proved strong, effectively neutralizing the Edmonton power play and preventing any high-danger shot attempts at 5-on-5. Sergei Bobrovsky contributed with 18 saves. Rodrigues, who is 30 years old and a nine-year NHL veteran, signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Panthers last summer. His goal in Game 1 was assisted by Sam Bennett. In Game 2, Rodrigues' first goal at 3:11 of the third period broke a tie, and his second goal was scored on the power play later in the third period. Both goals happened at the expense of Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard. Rodrigues made history as the first player with a multiple-goal game for the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Mikkola tied the game after an incident where he inadvertently shot the puck toward his own goalie, who managed to deflect it away. He then received a pass from Anton Lundell and scored with a one-timer past Stuart Skinner. Mikkola, who is 28, joined the Panthers last summer on a 3-year, $7.5-million deal.

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