For the second straight year, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are preparing to face off in the Stanley Cup Final. Last season, these two teams battled through a dramatic seven-game series, with Florida ultimately claiming the championship.
Both the Panthers and Oilers have once again overcome demanding playoff runs to reach the final, setting up another high-stakes clash between two teams known for their contrasting approaches and strengths.
This renewed matchup not only highlights the high level of competition in the league but also continues the narrative of Edmonton seeking redemption while Florida aims to retain its title.
A Battle Rerun
This upcoming series marks a significant moment in NHL history, representing the first consecutive Stanley Cup Final rematch since the Pittsburgh Penguins faced the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and 2009. The Panthers triumphed over the Oilers in their previous meeting, needing all seven games to decide the winner.
That series saw Florida win the first three games by a combined score of 11-4 before Edmonton rallied to force a decisive Game 7. In the 2008-09 Penguins-Red Wings rematch, the team that lost the initial series managed to win the second. This historical note adds an intriguing layer to the 2025 Final.
Paths Through the Postseason
Both the Panthers and the Oilers demonstrated resilience on their journeys back to the Final, overcoming early deficits in previous rounds. Florida faced a near-elimination scenario in the second round against the Toronto Maple Leafs, avoiding a 3-0 series deficit before regaining control and winning the series.
They also defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round and the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the Eastern Conference Final. Edmonton also started its postseason trailing, falling behind 0-2 against the Los Angeles Kings in the first round before winning four straight games to advance.
The Oilers then eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games and closed out the Dallas Stars with a 6-3 win in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final.
Star Power vs. Team Depth
The series features a compelling contrast between the Oilers’ reliance on superstar talent and the Panthers’ emphasis on team-based depth.
Edmonton is led by elite players such as Connor McDavid, a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and Leon Draisaitl, who earned the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy this season after scoring 52 goals.
Oilers’ Offensive Firepower
Together, McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for 51 points during the 2025 playoffs, showcasing their significant offensive contributions. Florida, conversely, boasts consistent production spread throughout its lineup. Ten Panthers players have recorded at least 10 points in the postseason, highlighting a system that leverages contributions from all four lines and defensive pairs.
Connor McDavid leads the Oilers in playoff scoring with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) in 16 games. Leon Draisaitl is close behind with 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has also been a key offensive contributor for Edmonton, tallying 18 points. Their collective high-end production drives the Oilers’ attack.
Panthers’ Balanced Attack
The Panthers’ scoring is distributed among several key players. Captain Aleksander Barkov leads the team with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) in 17 playoff games. Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk each have 16 points, while Carter Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand have each accumulated 14 points. Notably, 19 of the 22 skaters who have played for Florida this postseason have scored at least one goal.
Goaltending Factor
The goaltending performance will be crucial in this matchup. Florida has relied exclusively on Sergei Bobrovsky in the net throughout the playoffs. Bobrovsky has played every minute for the Panthers, posting a 12-5 record with a 2.11 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage, and three shutouts.
The Oilers have split time between Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard during the playoffs. Skinner holds a 6-4 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.52 goals-against average in 10 starts, while Pickard is 6-6 with a .888 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average in six starts.
Regular Season Encounters
Looking back at the regular season meetings provides some context, though playoff intensity often shifts dynamics. Florida won both games against Edmonton during the regular schedule. The Panthers secured a 6-5 victory at Rogers Place in Edmonton on December 16th and followed up with a 4-3 win at home on February 27th.
In those two contests, Anton Lundell was a significant contributor for Florida with five points (one goal, four assists). Other notable Panthers scorers included Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, and Aaron Ekblad, each with three points.
Sergei Bobrovsky’s regular season numbers against the Oilers were less stellar than his playoff performance, with a 4.01 goals-against average and a .860 save percentage.
For Edmonton in those games, Connor McDavid led with four assists. Zach Hyman, who is currently injured, scored three goals, and Leon Draisaitl had two goals and an assist. Stuart Skinner had a difficult time against Florida in the regular season, going 0-2-0 with a 5.10 goals-against average and an .844 save percentage.
The Road Ahead
With the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers getting ready to face off, excitement builds for this Stanley Cup Final rematch. Both teams have expressed readiness for the challenge, with players like Matthew Tkachuk stating the Panthers will be very prepared.
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl noted their familiarity with the Panthers and the desire for revenge, while defenseman Darnell Nurse highlighted the hunger that comes from knowing what the opportunity entails.
The series represents the culmination of another challenging season and playoff run, with both clubs determined to compete for and win the ultimate prize in hockey.
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