Panthers blank Oilers in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Bobrovsky makes 32 saves for shutout as Florida takes early series lead

Edmonton now 0-5 all-time in Game 1s of Stanley Cup Final

Sergei Bobrovsky made 32 saves to earn a shutout and lead the Florida Panthers to a 3-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night.

Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair and Sam Bennett scored for the Panthers, who took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Mike Smith stopped 28 shots for the Oilers, who are now 0-5 all-time in Game 1s of the Stanley Cup Final.

The Panthers opened the scoring with just over two minutes remaining in the first period. Verhaeghe took a pass from Duclair and beat Smith with a wrist shot from the slot.

Florida made it 2-0 in the second period when Duclair scored on a power play. Bennett then added an empty-net goal in the final minute of the game.

The Oilers had a few chances to score in the third period, but they couldn't solve Bobrovsky. The Panthers' goaltender was especially sharp in the final minutes, making several key saves to preserve the shutout.

Game 2 of the series will be played in Edmonton on Friday night.