Oilers vs Panthers: Stanley Cup Finals Heats Up After Collision

Tkachuk’s Smirk After Goalie Collision Leaves Fans Split

So, during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, something happened that’s got a lot of people fired up—and not just because of the score.

In the middle of a fast play, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett ended up colliding with Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. Now, it didn’t exactly look like a full-speed takedown, but it was hard enough that Skinner went down.

And here’s where things really got people talking: Matthew Tkachuk, Bennett’s teammate, skated by and actually grinned after the hit. He didn’t check on the goalie or act surprised. He smiled. That moment, that little smirk, set off a wave of reactions online and in the hockey world.

Why fans are reacting so strongly:

• Some think it looked totally unsportsmanlike—like mocking a hurt player.

• Others say, hey, it’s the playoffs. Emotions run high, and players do stuff in the heat of the moment.

• A few fans called it “karma” when the Oilers scored shortly afterward.

• No penalty was called on the play, which annoyed some viewers even more.

Let’s be real—goalies are usually off-limits. And whether the hit was intentional or not, seeing a player smile afterward just rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Still, there’s another side of this: playoff hockey is intense, and sometimes players react without thinking. It’s messy. It’s emotional. That’s part of what makes it so gripping.

GAME ON 🏒

The puck is down between the #Oilers & Panthers!

📺: @Sportsnet
📻: @CHED880#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/R3zkVKh7KG

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 7, 2025

Gavin Schaefer Balances Hockey Dreams with Deep Personal Loss

While all that’s happening on the ice, there's another story that reminds us hockey players are human too. Gavin Schaefer, a top NHL Draft prospect and standout defenseman for Erie, is pushing through a really tough time in his life.

He recently lost his grandfather—someone who meant a lot to him—and not long after, he suffered an injury that’s kept him from playing. For a teenager hoping to be drafted into the NHL, that’s a lot to carry at once.

But he’s still showing up. He’s still focused. And he’s doing everything he can to stay ready for the biggest moment of his career.

What Gavin’s been going through:

• Lost a close family member shortly before the NHL Draft.

• Dealing with a significant injury that kept him off the ice.

• Staying mentally strong, showing up to team events, and staying close to teammates.

People around him have noticed. Coaches and scouts say he’s showing leadership even when he’s not playing. That kind of mental toughness is something you can’t really teach—it just shows up when life gets hard. And Gavin’s showing it.

More Articles:
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What These Two Stories Show Us

• Hockey isn’t just about goals and penalties—it’s full of emotion, pressure, and very human moments.

• Tkachuk’s reaction might seem small, but in a high-stakes game, even a grin can spark controversy.

• On the flip side, Gavin Schaefer’s quiet strength reminds us that the road to the NHL is filled with challenges that go way beyond the rink.