Former Red Wings defenceman Jake Walman scores clutch goal in Game 4 of Stanley Cup Finals.
In Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, played at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, the Panthers leapt to a stunning three‑goal lead in the first period, stunning the Oilers and their fans. But Edmonton roared back in the second, leveling the score 3–3 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Late in the third, Jake Walman made potentially the biggest play of his career. The 29‑year‑old defenseman originally drafted 82nd overall by Detroit in 2014 and who skated parts of three seasons with the Red Wings from 2019 to 2022.
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With ice in his veins, Walman ripped a one-timer from the point and beat the Panthers’ netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, giving Edmonton a 4–3 lead. It marked his first goal of the Finals, a moment that sealed a crucial win on the road in Florida.
Walman’s impact this postseason has been undeniable. Since arriving in Edmonton at the trade deadline, he tallied 8 points in 15 regular-season games and added 4 in 15 playoff contests, while posting a stellar plus‑11 rating, ranking among the team’s best, underlining his value on both ends of the ice.
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His foundational years in Detroit helped shape his reliable two‑way game; analysts and coaches credit that pedigree for his composed performance in high-stakes moments.
Edmonton Coach Kris Knoblauch has been vocal about how critical Walman has been to Seattle’s blue line, explicitly stating that they “wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jake.”
His goal in Game 4 not only broke Florida’s momentum but gave the Oilers life in a must-win game. The Panthers would go on to tie the game with less than 20 seconds left, sending things to overtime.
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