The stage is set for what could be one of the most thrilling Stanley Cup Finals in recent memory. The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are set for a rematch, with both teams proving their dominance throughout the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Panthers had already secured their spot in the Final after eliminating the Carolina Hurricanes in five games, while the Oilers clinched their place in the finals, winning the Western Conference Final 4-1 against the Dallas Stars. With Edmonton closing out the series, hockey fans will witness a battle between the NHL’s two powerhouse teams, each hungry for the ultimate prize.

Florida Panthers: The Defending Champions

The Panthers are no strangers to the Stanley Cup Final, having reached this stage for the third consecutive season. They are only the fifth team in the past 50 years to accomplish this feat. This team is for real, although having said that, we could argue that the Eastern Conference was weaker (especially in the playoffs) this season when consider the strong Western Conference teams that were eliminated in the first two rounds this Spring (See Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights).

After winning their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2024, Florida is determined to defend their title. Their journey through the playoffs has been impressive, showcasing their ability to rally from deficits and overwhelm opponents with relentless offensive pressure. The Cats were down two games to none in the second round versus the Toronto Male Leafs, but the Panthers took the series over after Leafs starting goaltender Alex Stolarz was injured on a collision with the Panthers’ Sam Bennett in game one of the series. Stolarz suffered a concussion as a result of the contact.

Next up the Carolina Hurricanes barely put up a fight against the Panthers. The Hurricanes just didn’t have the horses to keep up with the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

Led by captain Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers boast a deep roster filled with playoff-tested stars. Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Sam Reinhart have all played pivotal roles in Florida’s success, consistently delivering clutch performances. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain composure under pressure makes them a formidable opponent.

Defensively, Florida has relied on the steady presence of Sergei Bobrovsky between the pipes. The veteran goaltender has been a rock for the Panthers, making crucial saves and keeping his team in games when needed. His experience and ability to handle high-pressure situations will be key in the Final.

When you are the defending champions you all get the calls going your way. Florida has definitely been on the positive side of the calls during the post season. Is it worth mentioning again that Gregory Campbell , the Assistant General Manager with the Panthers is the son of Colin Campbell who is currently the Director of Hockey Operations for the NHL? Maybe not, but “Bettman’s Boys” have been running things for a couple of decades now.

Why the Panthers will win: Anytime you are the defending champions things will just go your way… until they don’t. The Panthers may very well be the 2025 version of the Broad Street Bullies. They look to punish their opponents, they are not afraid to get physical with the opposing goaltenders, they capitalize on turnovers. They are a skilled, tough physical team that play a consistent, no panic game.

Why they will not win: Simply put this is the year of the Oilers. The Panthers have yet to face a team like the Oilers this post season. This is not last year’s Edmonton Oilers. This team has depth, has learned how to defend and has two nuclear weapons in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Edmonton Oilers: Seeking Redemption

The Oilers are on the verge of securing their second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. After falling short against the Panthers in a dramatic seven-game series last year (losing 2-1 in game seven), Edmonton is eager to rewrite history. Their playoff run has been impressive, with Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge.

McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, has been nothing short of spectacular. His speed, vision, and ability to create scoring chances make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Draisaitl complements McDavid perfectly, providing elite playmaking and finishing ability. Together, they form one of the most dangerous duos in hockey. With each centering their own lines, add in Ryan Nugent Hopkins and the Oilers are as formidable down the middle as any team in the NHL.

Prior to his injury in game four of the Western Conference final, Edmonton’s Zach Hyman was leading all playoff performers in hits with 111 hits. Hyman had 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 15 games for the Oilers this postseason. He has been a one-man wrecking ball, leading the playoffs with 111 hits, 15 short of the all-time postseason record of 126. Many of his hits have been huge and his presence will be missed by the Oilers. He leads all NHL players in playoff scoring over the course of the past two seasons. Hymans’ injury is a massive loss for the oilers. The injury was a result of a questionable hit by Dallas Stars forward Mason Marchment in game four.

Defensively, Evan Bouchard has emerged as a key contributor, delivering strong performances on both ends of the ice. (Who saw that coming?) Evan Bouchard has proven that he is a playoff performer. He’s even added a little “bite” to his game. The Oilers have also benefited from solid goaltending, with Stuart Skinner stepping up when needed. Edmonton’s ability to shut down opponents while maintaining their offensive firepower will be crucial in their quest for the Cup. Skinner had previously lost the starter role for the Oilers after a couple of sub-par performance in the first two games of the season. Calvin Pickard stepped in nicely going 6-0 before getting injured in the second-round matchup to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Why the Oilers will win: This is a team for the hockey history books. This team is battle-hardened, and this team is motivated. Losing is not an option for the Edmonton Oilers. They knocked off Vegas and Dallas in five games, both tougher opponents that what the Panthers have faced in the last two rounds. Connor McDavid will not lose to the Panthers again.

If this team doesn’t remind you of the 1983/84 Edmonton Oilers, no team will. Gretzky/Messier meets McDavid/Draisaitl.

Why they will not win: no applicable response.

Key Matchups to Watch

There is no question that the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers are by far the two best teams in the National Hockey League. This will be an excellent series with an outcome that will surprise many. Here is a look at some of the key matchups.

1. McDavid vs. Barkov – A battle between two elite captains. McDavid’s speed and offensive prowess will be tested against Barkov’s defensive capabilities and leadership.
2. Goaltending Duel: Bobrovsky vs. Skinner – Bobrovsky’s experience versus Skinner’s determination. Whoever wins this battle could tilt the series in their team’s favor. Skinner has been the best goaltender from the Conference finals forward. If he should falter, look for Pickard to pick up where he left off. The Oilers got goalied by Bobrovsky in game one a year ago, we will see if history repeats itself.
3. Kane vs, Abel Bennett – Same Bennett has been running around for the past two seasons taking liberties pretty much at will. While he will continue to do so, the Oilers have an answer with a healthy Evander Kane. if not Kane ,look for Corey Perry to send a message as well.
4. Special Teams – Both teams have lethal power plays. The Oilers thrive on their ability to capitalize with the man advantage, while the Panthers have shown resilience in penalty killing.
5. The return of Mattias Ekholm – injured since the Four Nations Cup in February, a healthy Mattias Ekholm will be a difference maker in the series. Simply put he is a beast on the backend. He can do it all, score, hit, block shots, you name it. He will punish the Panthers players every chance he gets.
6. The intangibles – For whatever reason Florida get away with a lot of infractions and borderline dirty plays. They run goaltenders, they clutch and grab as needed. How will the Oilers offset that this time around? if the Oilers let the Panthers bully them, the Panthers have a chance at repeating as Champions. We just don’t think that is going to happen.
7. Home Ice Advantage – While both teams have been good on the road, you might argue that home-ice advantage may not mean much. But have you been to a game in Edmonton recently? The place is a human zoo. It’s loud and it’s intense. Something that cannot be understated in this series is home ice advantage. This time it is the Edmonton Oilers who will have home ice advantage. Oilers fans are some of the best in the league and make no mistake about it, the Edmonton Oilers will not be going down three games to none this time around. 18,500 fans will will the Oilers to victory. Side note: Through the first three rounds of the playoffs neither team has had home ice advantage. First time in NHL history that has happened.

Prediction: A Seven-Game Thriller?

As the Oilers secured their spot in the Final, fans can expect another intense series against the Panthers. Both teams have the talent, depth, and determination to go the distance. Given their history, a seven-game showdown seems likely, with each game delivering high-stakes drama.

The Florida Panthers are the real deal, but so too are the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers are savvier this season. Throughout the season they rested key players down the stretch (see Ekholm, Kane, McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins etc) as a result of scheduling or injury. You could argue that the Panthers have yet to be tested this post season. That is about to change as they play the Western Conference Champions.

Will the Panthers repeat with back-to-back championships, or will the Oilers finally claim their long-awaited first Stanley Cup victory since 1990? One thing is certain—this matchup promises to be an unforgettable battle for hockey supremacy.

Oilers in five. The Stanley Cup returns to its rightful home in Canada for the first time in 35 years.

Editor’s note: We wanted to say four games but we are superstitious.

2025 Stanley Cup Finals Schedule

Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers

Game 1: Wednesday, June 4 at 8 p.m.
Game 2: Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m.
Game 3: Monday, June 9 at 8 p.m.
Game 4: Thursday, June 12 at 8 p.m.
*Game 5: Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m.
*Game 6: Tuesday, June 17 at 8 p.m.
*Game 7: Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m.

* if necessary

All times ET.