A year after a tough seven-game battle, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have returned to face each other again in the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers are aiming to win consecutive championships, while Connor McDavid and the Oilers are driven by the desire for redemption.
Both teams reached the Final quite comfortably. Florida was particularly impressive in the Eastern Conference Final, where they dominated the Carolina Hurricanes, winning the series in just five games with a significant 21-10 goal advantage.
Florida started their playoff journey strongly, sweeping their rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the first round. However, they faced a challenge from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, who took a 2-0 series lead and forced the defending champions to a full seven games. The Panthers ultimately secured the series with a decisive victory in Game 7.
The Panthers have made history by becoming only the fourth team since 1980 to appear in the Stanley Cup Final for three years running. They are now in a position to become the third team since 2000 to achieve consecutive Cup victories.
To achieve this historic back-to-back win, Florida must overcome an Oilers team highly motivated to end their Stanley Cup drought, which dates back to 1990. Edmonton came close last year, losing narrowly to the Panthers in the seventh game.
This postseason, Edmonton has shown a clear determination to return to the Final. After trailing 2-0 in their opening series against the Kings, the Oilers have been dominant, compiling a 12-2 record on their way to defeating the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been outstanding, leading the league in playoff scoring with 26 and 25 points, respectively. This powerful pair will be crucial for Edmonton`s Cup aspirations, and their contribution will be even more vital given Zach Hyman`s absence due to injury.
As this highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch begins, here are our expert predictions on which team is favored to win.
Stanley Cup Final Predictions
Nivison: The Oilers and Panthers have proven themselves as the top teams in these playoffs, making this rematch a fitting conclusion. The series likely hinges on how Edmonton`s secondary players perform when their superstars, McDavid and Draisaitl, are off the ice, as Florida has a clear advantage in forward depth. However, when McDavid and Draisaitl are at their best, the Oilers are incredibly difficult to defeat, as seen in recent rounds. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard have also stepped up significantly. Crucially, goaltender Stuart Skinner has drastically improved his performance, boasting a .936 save percentage and saving 4.81 goals above average in his last six starts. Florida`s roster appears to have no weaknesses, with key contributions coming from every line and the defense. Ten Panthers players have reached double-digit points in the playoffs compared to only seven for the Oilers (one of whom is injured for the season). While Edmonton`s defense is solid, they haven`t faced a challenge like Florida`s relentless forecheck and four effective lines that can wear down opponents. Florida`s team defense, from their forwards like Aleksander Barkov back to the defensemen, has been top-notch. The individual matchups, particularly against McDavid and Draisaitl, will be compelling. This series should be another thrilling contest, but expect the same outcome as last year. Florida`s superior depth and aggressive forechecking will ultimately overcome the Oilers, leading the Panthers to back-to-back championships.
Nivison: Prediction — Panthers def. Oilers 4-2
Bengel: Although neither team finished as the top seed, the Oilers and Panthers have undoubtedly been the most impressive teams in this postseason. This matchup marks only the fifth time since 1967 that the Stanley Cup Final is a rematch, setting the stage for another intense series. Edmonton relies heavily on its star power, centered around the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl. Their offensive potential is immense when they are performing at their peak. However, the team`s depth faces questions, especially after losing key forward Zach Hyman to a season-ending upper-body injury in the Western Conference Final Game 4. Hyman`s absence removes significant scoring threat from their top lines. In contrast, the Panthers possess one of the deepest rosters seen in recent NHL seasons. Florida features an experienced group known for its aggressive forechecking and reliable defensive play. Their forward depth is exceptional, with five different players scoring at least five goals in these playoffs. The team features an experienced group and a strong defensive unit. While last season`s series was entertaining, the Panthers` overall depth is expected to be too much for the Oilers to handle this time as well.
Bengel: Prediction — Panthers def. Oilers 4-3
