Panthers and Oilers Clash Again in Stanley Cup Final

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are set to face off in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, kicking off with Game 1 on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Both teams have shown their strength and resilience through the playoffs, making their rematch highly anticipated.

Last season, the Panthers captured their first Stanley Cup title in a thrilling seven-game series against the Oilers. The Panthers are aiming to become the tenth team to win back-to-back championships, while the Oilers, led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are seeking their first championship since 1990.

This season, the Panthers have proven their depth, with 19 different players scoring during the playoffs compared to 15 a year ago. They currently average 3.88 goals per game and have a strong 87.9% success rate on penalty kills. General Manager Bill Zito made strategic roster adjustments that have enhanced the Panthers’ gameplay, making them tougher competitors this time around.

On the flip side, the Oilers have learned from last season’s near-comeback. They have rebounded from early deficits in their playoff series and have exhibited strong performance in recent games, limiting their opponents to just five goals in the final four games against the Dallas Stars.

The goaltending matchup will be key. Sergei Bobrovsky of the Panthers has elevated his game throughout the playoffs, posting a .935 save percentage in the Eastern Conference Final. Stuart Skinner, returning after challenges, has emerged as a critical player for the Oilers, achieving a .924 save percentage against the Stars.

Injury impacts could be pivotal. The Oilers will be without Zach Hyman, who had made significant contributions in last year’s playoffs. Meanwhile, the Panthers boast their complete roster, which they attribute to their ongoing success.

Both teams are ready to showcase their talents in what promises to be an exciting rematch. Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk summed up the players’ sentiments: “You think about it all summer… It’s so hard to get [to the Final] and very few players are able to get a chance at one even.” The series is expected to deliver high-scoring matches, intense physical play, and standout performances.