Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) skates with the puck defined by Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) in the first period in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports Last year’s Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers was a seven-game thriller.
This year’s rematch — the first time that has happened since 2009 — could be even better.
When the finals begin in Edmonton on Wednesday, the series will truly feature the best two clubs the NHL has to offer. Despite where both finished in the regular season — both placed third in their division — the Oilers and Panthers proved to be a cut above all of their opponents, making their point emphatically by obliterating the opposition in the conference finals.
Here are the reasons the Panthers and the Oilers will be hoisting when the series concludes:
Why the Panthers will repeat
May 20, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart (13) reacts during the second period against the Carolina Hurricanes in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images Been there, done that: Not only is Florida aiming for a second straight title, but it marks the third consecutive trip to the finals. There are virtually no situations the Panthers can face they have not encountered before, and they have created a businesslike approach to the playoffs. Right from the start, their championship pedigree has been on full display.
Unmatched depth: The Oilers boast eight players who have scored five or more goals — impressive, although one of those skaters, Zach Hyman, will miss the series due to injury, and another, Connor Brown, is dealing with a suspected concussion. The Panthers can counter with 10 players who have netted 11 or more points. They are that much better down the lineup and have regularly won games without production from the big guns, with more offensive depth from their defensemen.
Consistent goaltending: While Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner has gone through a roller coaster in the playoffs — surrendering 20 goals in his four losses and five goals in his six victories — Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky has been steady from the start. That brings a level of confidence through the whole team. If the Panthers light up Skinner early, the questioning will begin. The Panthers do not have those concerns.
Why the Oilers will win
Mar 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images The game breakers: Whenever the Oilers are on the ropes, they can turn to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for a key play to turn the tide. Edmonton does have a deeper roster than a year ago, but they are still led by players who have that ability to step forward in the biggest of moments.
The power play: As hard as it is to imagine, the Oilers did not score a road power-play goal until they met the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference final. Once that train started rolling, however, it has been unstoppable. The Panthers are known for taking penalties. Edmonton’s vaunted power play can make them truly pay.
Motivation: Reaching the finals last year taught the Oilers plenty, which carried them through this whole season. Since training camp, the focus has been getting back. Throw in having home-ice advantage and a shot at the defending champs, and the Oilers have an edge that has seen many teams make that final climb to the top.
