Time flies. Last year, the Stanley Cup Finals started in Sunrise on June 8 and celebrated its new champion on June 24. The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. Moreover, the Panthers lost a 3-0 lead in that series. As hockey history repeats itself, what lessons did Paul Maurice and Kris Knoblauch learn? What’s different now?
Final Countdown
It will be the Panthers’ third consecutive Stanley Cup Final and the Oilers’ second. Both teams know each other too well at this point and are ready for a physical and cold-blooded rematch. Paul Maurice is on his way to his third Stanley Cup Final appearance in as many seasons and has won one championship. Kris Knoblauch debuted as the Oilers coach in November 2023 and led the team to the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals. The two coaches have different styles and levels of experience, but they share the same destination.
The Panthers rely on consistency, aggressive forechecking, and great goaltending by Sergei Bobrovsky. 10 players have at least 11 points, and seven defensemen scored a minimum of one goal in this playoff run. Brad Marchand, the most irritating player in the league, was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Panthers in March 2025. His skills to get under anyone’s skin, agitate, find open ice, and support his teammates in stressful moments perfectly fit Maurice’s strategy. Maurice doesn’t like, as he says, quiet games. Oh, it will get loud.
The Oilers have extra motivation to break the spell and become the first Canadian team to hoist the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993. This historical significance adds to their determination and drive to win. It’s been too long. Last year, neither contender touched the Conference Championship trophies. A week ago, the Oilers captain Connor McDavid decided to change the team’s luck and raise the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. The Western Conference champions accepted the challenge.
Over the last 10 years, six teams have touched the conference trophies. The superstition didn’t stop the Avalanche (2022), Lightning (2020, 2021), Capitals (2018), and Penguins (2016, 2017) from accomplishing the mission. The Panthers (2024), Golden Knights (2023), Blues (2019), and Blackhawks (2015) reached their goals without touching the trophies.
Stats
The Edmonton Oilers, packed with offensive talent and bitter experience from the 2024 playoffs, are determined to finish the Canadian drought. They also have a home-ice advantage this time around. Without injured Zack Hyman (111 hits, 5+6 in 15 games, +10), this series will feature three top players with the most postseason hits: Sam Bennett (85), Vasily Podkolzin (74), and Eetu Luostarinen (71). Physicality will speak for itself in the final round. After all, it’s one of the Panthers’ key to success.
The previous series against the Dallas Stars proved that the Oilers can adjust their play during 60 minutes and minimize the opponent’s scoring efforts. In Game 4, the Stars went from 16 shots in the first period to just four in the third.
Edmonton ranks first in the playoffs summary report with 12 wins and four losses, 30% power play sharpness, 66% penalty kills, and 48.4% faceoff wins. The “Cats” are behind the Oilers with 12 wins and five losses, 23.2% PP, 87.9% PK, and 45.6% FO.
McDavid and Leon Draisaitl rank first and second in the league this postseason with 26 and 25 points, respectively. Both are missing the Stanley Cup on their resumes. The reigning champions, Aleksander Barkov (17), Sam Bennett (16), and Matthew Tkachuk (16), reached the top 10. All these players will excel, but they need support from everyone in the lineups.
Decorated Captain
The Panthers captain, Sasha Barkov, has a few unmatched characteristics. He has won 57.9% of faceoffs in 17 playoff games and just received his third Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the NHL. It’s his second consecutive award. The European-born captain made it to the NHL’s top 10 in a few categories: 7th in the goals-against per game (2.72), 10th in penalty-killing percentage (80.7%), 5th in shots-against per game (26.2), and 4th in the puck possession metric SAT (59.3%). Besides strong on-ice performance, Barkov received another recognition for his leadership qualities and contribution to the community – the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Since 2019, he has donated over $420,000 to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Florida. The list of his good deeds is unlimited. Barkov is a true leader and role model.
Game Times
The Panthers organization is about the game, fan appreciation, and a rewarding experience. The plan is to host watch parties for all away games inside Amerant Bank Arena.
- Fans can purchase tickets for $15 and enjoy free parking and discounted food and drinks. Home game tickets are a different story.
- The Stanley Cup Final rivalry between the Panthers and Oilers is real and will break a budget. The lowest-priced seat in the 329 section costs $599.04 plus fees and tax.
- Another practical and low-budget game experience is watching the Stanley Cup Finals at home. Here are the times:
Game 1: Panthers at Oilers, Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. ET
Game 2: Panthers at Oilers, Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. ET
Game 3: Oilers at Panthers, Monday, June 9, 8 p.m. ET;
Game 4: Oilers at Panthers, Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m. ET
Game 5: Panthers at Oilers, Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m. ET
Game 6: Oilers at Panthers, Tuesday, June 17, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7: Panthers at Oilers, Friday, June 20, 8 p.m. ET
The official broadcast is TNT (Max, truTV).
Author’s Prediction
This rivalry has a chance to become the most-watched playoff run. Expect a lot of physicality, bone-to-bone battles, high-scoring chances, and seven games.