For the first time since mid-April, the Edmonton Oilers have lost two consecutive games.
Throughout these playoffs, the Oilers have encountered various forms of adversity. One instance occurred in the first round when the LA Kings took a 2-0 series lead. Edmonton also faced a tough moment against Vegas in Game 3 when they lost in the final seconds, and they did again when the Dallas Stars won Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. 
In Game 3 against the Florida Panthers, adversity appeared in various forms. Whether physical, vocally from the crowd, on the scoresheet, or evident in the penalty box, it was among the most chaotic and rough matches you’ll ever see in the Stanley Cup Final. 
Spectators had a lot to say about the game on social media, with some criticizing the Oilers for melting down and others blaming the refs for letting things get out of control.
“I don’t care what the score is, I don’t care if the Oilers aren’t playing well. The refereeing in this game is absolutely atrocious. It is by far the best sport ruined by the worst officials.” – Noel Rinsky via X
“Quite the move by the Oilers to try and start fights and then get absolutely worked over by every single Panther on the ice. Pathetic display from Edmonton all night.” – Rdryan33 via X
“I can’t even criticize the Oilers for being undisciplined. If I played even five minutes against the Florida Panthers, I would be Jacob Trouba baseball swinging on everyone in red.” – MITCHCELLY via X
“The NHL should levy a massive fine against the Edmonton Oilers. This third period has been an absolute embarrassment for the sport on its biggest stage Cheap shot after cheap shot when the game is out of reach.” – Steve Ness via X
“The Edmonton Oilers embarrassed themselves tonight. Can they learn from this or are the Florida Panthers already too deep inside their heads?” – Craig Morgan via X
“The Oilers are showing the sports world that they’re a poverty franchise tonight. Pathetic display after two incredible games to start the series. Bush league garbage all night. Outclassed is an understatement.” – Tab Bamford via X
From a neutral perspective, many felt that the Oilers were undisciplined, unprofessional, and showed a lack of class in how they handled losing to the Panthers in Game 3. Edmonton fans, however, were more infuriated with the officiating, especially in the first period after the Oilers received three penalties and four in total in the first frame.
“We sucked a** tonight!!! I just hope the f***ing NHL realize people just watched one of the worst Stanley Cup Finals games in recent memory, due to some of the most inept and idiotic officiating in recent memory. You f*ckers keep doing a disservice to the game for what?” – Jemm33 via Blue Sky
“Oilers tend to have massive wins after massive losses. If this concerns you, you’re likely not coping well as a fan.” – Lonepinetimberco via Instagram
“Granted, this game was deplorable, but like the players, we fans have to shake off the loss of this one, and use the fuel that this one provided to come back on Thursday, laser-focused and determined more than ever before to tame the Panthers and win the next three games straight!! I BELIEVE!!” – Carol via Facebook
“Are the Panthers going to have enough bodies to field a team for game 4? How will they ever recover from all of those horrific injuries? 4 of their players appeared to lose an eye from a stick that almost hit them.” – Ben via Facebook
“If you keep playing like that, the handshake line is coming. Where’s your offence?” – Chuckie via X
“The Oilers are incredibly embarrassing tonight, but at least our fans don’t dump beers on players, I guess.” – Aime via X
Fans of the Edmonton Oilers recognize how poorly the team played in Game 3. As usual, when the team gets pumped, a lot of the finger-pointing is directed towards Stuart Skinner, Darnell Nurse, or the officials.
One player on the other side of the ice who got a lot of attention was Sam Bennett. He got into a tilt with Trent Frederic at the tail end of the third period and was a physical presence all night long.
“Watch Bennett here. Completely turtles from a soft cross check, refuses to engage in a fight, then punches Frederic continuously once the ref has him pinned. He’s not tough, he’s the biggest p***y in the league. Panthers have something coming to them.” – Kailermemeamoto via X
“Sam Bennett only acts tough when the ref shows up, such a fake tough guy.” – Brother Schmidty via X
“Time for Oilers fans to stop talking about Bennett. Edmonton flew off the rails: frustrated, no discipline… did they send a message? No… just got embarrassed. You can’t out-Florida the real Florida. Only one game, but the Panthers looked like defending cup champs. – Spetershockey via X
It was one of the feistiest Stanley Cup Final games in recent memory. The Oilers racked up 85 penalty minutes, which is the third-most ever recorded in a Cup Final game.
Now, both teams have a chance to cool off. Game 4 goes Thursday night in Florida. Expect another intense battle between these two rivals.