On Wednesday evening, the Florida Panthers will officially appear in the third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. It is also the fourth overall appearance in the history of the franchise. The Cats will look to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. Standing in their way for the second year in a row are the Edmonton Oilers.
This is a rarity in the world of hockey. This is the first time two teams square off for the league's biggest prize in back-to-back years since the 2008 and 2009 Finals. That was when the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins faced each other both times. In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings won it in six games.
The following year, it was the Pittsburgh Penguins taking home the Stanley Cup in seven games. This was Sidney Crosby’s first Stanley Cup championship and ended the Wings' reign atop the NHL, which was an era that lasted since the 1990s. Connor McDavid hopes to replicate his generational predecessor's fate in this rematch. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final promises to be one of the best postseason series in recent memory.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Offense
During the regular season, the Panthers were 15th overall in goals scored. They lit the lamp 246 times during the year. In the 82-game grind, Sam Reinhart led the team in goals(39) and points(81). The playoffs, on the other hand, tell a different story. Through 17 games played, the Panthers lead all teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in goals scored, with 66.
Sam Bennett has once again risen in the postseason. In these playoffs, the rugged and physical forward has scored 10 goals. Seven of those came at even-strength. Longtime captain Aleksander Barkov leads the team with 17 points(6 G, 11 A). Their opponents have been a little more explosive offensively all year long.
The Edmonton Oilers ranked 11th overall this year during the regular season in goals scored. They lit the lamp a staggering 259 times during the regular season. Leon Draisaitl led the team in goals(56) and points(106). Connor McDavid was not too far behind, registering 100 points(26 G, 74 A). Through 16 playoff games played, the Oilers are right behind the Panthers with a combined 65 goals.
In the postseason. Draisaitl and veteran winger Corey Perry share the lead for goals with seven. To nobody's surprise, the leading point getter has been McDavid. He has scored only six goals but has continued to show his amazing playmaking, racking up 20 assists, for a total of 26 points.
Defense
When it came to allowing goals, the Panthers were one of the stingiest teams in the NHL this year. They ranked 7th overall, giving up a total of 223 goals. They have continued to utilize their signature combination of great forechecking, team defense, and excellent goaltending. In the postseason, Florida has allowed only 39 goals, which is sixth amongst all playoff teams. Sergei Bobrovsky has recorded three shutouts.
On the other hand, the Oilers haven't been known for having a great defense. Lots of other teams have gotten in high-scoring affairs with them over the years. It also hasn't helped that their goaltending has been inconsistent as well. This season was no different. Edmonton was 19th in the league this year during the regular season, giving up a total of 235 goals. In the playoffs, the Oilers have allowed the second-most goals of all teams(45).
Power-Play
In terms of power-play strength, the Florida Panthers are at 23.2% through 17 games, converting on a little over 1/5 of their power plays. Interestingly enough, the Panthers have had difficulties scoring power-play goals at home. They have gone a combined 1-for-28 when on the man advantage in home playoff games.
The Edmonton Oilers are a bit better at 30%, converting on about 1/3 of their power-play chances. Corey Perry is leading the team in power-play tallies with four. The Panthers will need to be as disciplined as possible against the ever-dangerous Oilers powerplay, which boasts some of the league’s best talent in McDavid, Draisaitl, and the missile-launching Evan Bouchard. Out of all the aspects that attribute to winning hockey, this is where the Oilers have had the advantage.
PENALTY KILL
In terms of the penalty kill, the Panthers are at an excellent 87.9%, the best in the NHL through these 2025 playoffs. Florida has had one of the top penalty killing units in recent years under Paul Maurice, and it's been displayed a lot during this postseason. The Oilers are near the very bottom of the list, with a paltry 66% on the penalty kill. The Panthers will look to take advantage of Edmonton’s weak penalty kill when the chances arise.
LINE-MATCHUPS
LINE 1
Florida: Evan Rodrigues / Alexander Barkov / Sam Reinhart
Edmonton: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins / Connor McDavid / Corey Perry
LINE 2
Florida: Carter Verhaghe / Sam Bennett / Mathew Tkachuk
Edmonton: Evander Kane / Leon Draisaitl / Kasperi Kapanen
LINE 3
Florida: Eetu Luostarinen / Anton Lundell / Brad Marchand
Edmonton: Vasily Podkolzin / Mattias Janmark / Viktor Arvidsson
LINE 4
Florida: A.J. Greer / Tomas Nosek / Jonah Gadjovich
Edmonton: Jeff Skinner / Adam Henrique / Trent Frederic
Defense Pairing 1
Florida: Gustav Forsling/ Aaron Ekblad
Edmonton: Matthias Ekholm/ Evan Bouchard
Defense Pairing 2
Florida: Niko Mikkola/ Seth Jones
Edmonton: Darnell Nurse/ Brett Kulak
Defense Pairing 3
Florida: Nate Schmidt/ Dmitry Kulikov
Edmonton: Jake Walman/ John Klingberg
Goaltending Matchup
Sergei Bobrovsky(Florida) vs. Stuart Skinner(Edmonton)
Pathway To the Cup: Edmonton Oilers
First Round: Los Angeles Kings
The Oilers got off to a rocky start in round one. They dropped the first two games to the L.A. Kings. In each of the first two games, the Kings outscored Edmonton 12-7. They were on the verge of losing Game 3 when a heroic comeback kept their faith alive. Down 4-3 in the final 20 minutes, the Oilers scored four unanswered goals to get back in the series. Heading into Game 4, the Kings once again had the Oilers on the ropes.
With less than one minute remaining in the contest, the puck found its way to Quinton Byfield of L.A. The play was simple: clear the puck out of your zone and end the game. Unfortunately, he made a blunder and failed to clear the puck, instead handing it back to the Oilers. With 29 seconds left, defenseman Evan Bouchard scored his second of two third-period goals to tie the game.
Leon Draisaitl would seal it with an overtime victory. The Oilers go on to win the next two and eliminate the unfortunate Kings in the high-scoring series. It feels as if the Kings are the Oilers' punching bag at this point. Edmonton has eliminated Los Angeles in the first round in each of the last four postseasons.
Second Round: Vegas Golden Knights
Next up, the Oilers took on the Pacific Division champion Vegas Golden Knights. What should have been a long series was anything but. Vegas could not keep up with the Oilers in respect to goal scoring and speed. Edmonton stole the first two games in Vegas.
The highlight was Game 2, when Leon Draisaitl scored his second overtime goal of the playoffs. The Knights would draw back into the series with a dramatic Game 3 victory at Rogers Place. Reilly Smith scored the winning goal with a second remaining after Stuart Skinner left his crease too far away when reaching for the puck. However, the momentum would fizzle soon after.
The Golden Knights scored a total of 9 goals while being shut out twice in Games 4 and 5. The series clincher was another overtime victory for the Oilers. This time, it was Kasperi Kapanen who would play the hero's role and get the overtime winner in a 1-0 game. Throughout the five games, the Oilers scored a total of 16 goals.
Western Conference Final: Dallas Stars
Edmonton advanced to the pivotal Western Conference Final for the second straight season. The Oilers faced the superb Dallas Stars. Much like Vegas, the Stars just could not keep up with the scoring pace of Edmonton. The Stars also didn't have the physicality needed to win this series. Dallas managed to steal Game 1, 6-3. After that, it was all Edmonton.
In Game 2, both Brett Kulak and Connor Brown scored goals late in the third period to put away a 3-0 shutout. Back at home for Game 3, Edmonton led 2-1 before a goal by Connor McDavid at the 19:41 mark of the middle period sparked an offensive avalanche that would carry into the final 20 minutes. The Oilers would score three more to win 6-3. Game 4 was close before two empty-net goals gave the Oilers a 4-1 win.
In the series-clinching Game 5, they would get the job done by racing out to a 3-0 first-period lead. Edmonton would beat the Stars in Dallas again, 6-3. The Oilers scored an incredible 19 goals in 5 games. The Dallas Stars managed 11 goals throughout the series. Credit needs to be given to Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner, who, despite a mountain of criticism coming into the playoffs, backstopped the Oilers to an impressive series win in just 5 games.
Pathway To the Cup: Florida Panthers
First Round: Tampa Bay Lightning
In the opening round, the battle of Florida ensued once again. The cross-state rivals met each other for the fourth time in the last five seasons. The Panthers would begin the series red hot, scoring six goals in the opener and then blanking the Lightning in Game 2, 2-0. There was an abundance of controversy in the series. In Game 2, Brandon Hagel took out Aleksander Barkov with a massive hit.
That led to a suspension for him in Game 3. That would result in a 5-1 Tampa victory. The Panthers would return the favor in Game 4, both in the final score and in the physicality department. A flying elbow from Aaron Ekblad concussed the aforementioned Lightning star, leading to his departure for the rest of the series.
The NHL Department of Player Safety had its hands full all series long. They suspended Ekblad for two games. The Panthers would eventually close out the series in Game 5 with a final score of 6-3. Eetu Luostarinen had a goal and three assists in the contest. Florida pounced on their northern in-state enemies for the second year in a row.
Second Round: Toronto Maple Leafs
The Panthers would face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round. The series opened up with an all-out assault by the Leafs. William Nylander scored twice to give the Leafs an early lead 2-0 lead in the series opener. By the end of the first period, the Panthers looked gassed, depleted, and overwhelmed. However, they were able to claw back into the game towards the end. However it was too little, too late. Toronto won Game 1, 5-4.
Game 1 also drew the ire of the NHL Department of Player Safety, once again. Sam Bennett had a controversial hit on Leafs goalie and former teammate Anthony Stolarz. Like the aforementioned Hagel, the collision concussed Stolarz and knocked him out of the series. The remainder of the playoff duel had what was perhaps the most entertaining stretch of hockey through these playoffs.
Back and forth, the two teams fought. In between was a comeback victory in Game 3 for the Panthers, which featured an overtime winning goal by notorious Leaf killer Brad Marchand. Sergei Bobrovsky stole the show in Game 4, as he recorded a 2-0 shutout. In Game 5, the Cats blew out the Leafs by a score of 6-1, that was made possible because of a second period scoring outburst in which Florida lit the lamp three times.
Thanks to a lackluster performance in Game 6, in which Toronto blanked Florida in their barn, the Panthers headed back into enemy territory for the greatest show in sports, a Game 7 in Toronto. Florida took no chances and battered the Leafs for a final score of 6-1, making the anticipated contest a laughing matter. The Panthers advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, while the Leafs were fed to the wolves of the Toronto media and fans, who took turns ripping their star players apart.
Eastern Conference Final: Carolina Hurricanes
In the Eastern Conference Final, Florida would meet the Carolina Hurricanes for the second time in three years. The Cats would go on to make quick work of the Hurricanes. Carolina struggled to get anything going throughout the series due to a multitude of reasons. Whether it was turnovers, a lack of physicality, timely goal scoring, or big performances from their stars, Carolina couldn't get the job done.
The Hurricanes just could not keep up with Florida. The only shining moment of the series came in Game 4, where they shut the Panthers out 2-0. The Game 4 victory for Carolina prevented them from getting swept. It also ended a 15-game losing streak in the round that dated back to 2009. They would succumb to the dominant Panthers in Game 5 when Carter Verhaeghe scored a late goal in the third period.
The Panthers claimed the Prince of Wales Trophy for the third season in a row. The Cats were able to stop the best players on the Hurricanes throughout the series, Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. Most notably, Svechnikov had just three assists in the entire series and failed to light the lamp.
The Legacy Of Connor McDavid
There have been many great players in the NHL since Wayne Gretzky last played. Connor McDavid is already in the discussion to be the greatest the league has seen since the retirement of No. 99. He has done it all except one thing: win the Stanley Cup. No player in any sport can be carved into their respective Mount Rushmore without a championship, and McDavid is no different.
Some people already believe he is the most talented player to ever grace the ice, and few would disagree with that. He will enter this series with the sour taste of last year’s defeat. We all remember the images of a teary-eyed McDavid in the locker room. His head was down. Palms covered his face while Gary Bettman named him the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in a losing effort.
With his teammates huddled around him, he chose to stay in the locker room and not receive the trophy. It’s hard to fathom a repeat of that same occurrence. A player with this much pedigree, talent, drive, skill, and leadership, with the cloud of defeat looming once again over his head. After this season, he has one year left remaining on his contract.
A loss would certainly get the media buzzing with the obvious question: Will he walk away from the Edmonton Oilers and play elsewhere? By the age of 28, Wayne Gretzky had won 4 Stanley Cup championships as the franchise face of the Oilers. Connor McDavid, at the same age, has none. The stakes here are colossal, not only for his legacy and future, but also for the future of the Edmonton Oilers.
If they fail to win a Cup with McDavid again, it will be an embarrassment of epic proportions for the once-glorified franchise. If he walks away winning nothing, it will be one of the greatest blunders ever seen by a team in North American professional sports history. The 'what if?' question will be looming for the rest of time.
A Dynasty In the Making?
The Florida Panthers will look to have their names etched into Lord Stanley’s Cup for the second year in a row. A second Stanley Cup parade down Las Olas would put this Panther team in the upper echelon of South Florida royalty. That would put them on the same level as several other legendary South Florida sports teams.
That includes the 'Big 3 '- era Miami Heat, the 1997 and 2003 Marlins, the 2001 Miami Hurricanes, and dare I say it, the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins. Competing in three straight Stanley Cup Finals in the NHL salary cap era is about as rare and impressive as it gets for modern-day hockey. This group has already accomplished so much. They also have a President's Trophy and a few Atlantic Division titles as well. We know that Bill Zito, Paul Maurice, and the Florida Panthers will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Final Predictions
As great as the Oilers have played through the first three rounds of this year’s playoffs, I do not think they can beat the Florida Panthers four times. The Panthers have better goaltending and boast a better defensive core led by Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones, and Niko Mikkola. The Panthers also have a deeper, more balanced, and more versatile forward group than the Edmonton Oilers.
As great as Connor McDavid is, he will be matched against not one but two of this season's Selke Trophy finalists, Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov, for most of the series. This is a monumental task for any offensive player to get through, no matter how great he may be. The second line is where things will get the most interesting. How will the Panthers handle Leon Draisaitl?
The same question can be asked the other way around: how will Draisaitl’s line handle Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, and Matthew Tkachuk? The Panthers' 3rd line of Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand, and Eetu Luostarinen has proven to be one of the best trios throughout the playoffs. They are also far superior to the Oilers’ third line of Mattias Janmark, Vasily Podkolzin, and Viktor Arvidsson.
Each team has decided to go with a separate strategy on their fourth line. The Oilers have gone with more of a speedy and skilled line, featuring veterans Adam Henrique and Jeff Skinner. The Panthers will once again roll with a physically bruising bottom line of A.J. Greer, Tomas Nosek, and Jonah Gadjovich, who turned the tide of the series against the Leafs.
As always, line matchups will differ throughout a playoff series, but more than likely, this is how they will be matched for most of the games. The loss of Zach Hyman to a season-ending injury is devastating for Edmonton and will be hard to overcome. In conclusion, it will be an electric and exciting rematch, but the Florida Panthers have too much depth. They are too well-rounded and are far more physical. It’s raining rats, and the Cats win their second Stanley Cup championship in a row.