Tip: Revenge or Repeat? Stanley Cup Final 2025: Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final delivers a highly anticipated rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. After last year’s dramatic final, Connor McDavid is chasing redemption—but can he stop Florida’s powerhouse team? Here’s everything you need to know about hockey’s hottest showdown!

The Road to the Final

The Edmonton Oilers have shown why they were playoff favorites. After a strong turnaround from Game 3 in the first round, they’ve played their best hockey when it matters most. Connor McDavid has found top form, and the team’s defense has tightened up significantly. But the Florida Panthers are no ordinary opponent. They’ve dominated the East with a blend of offensive firepower and defensive stability, and their brutal forecheck has been unmanageable for opponents. That the reigning champions are back in the final is no surprise. This is a repeat of last year’s final, but both teams have raised the bar.

Strengths: Offense vs. Defense

Edmonton’s Offensive Machine

Edmonton is driven by the world’s best offensive player, Connor McDavid, who leads the playoff scoring with 26 points. Alongside Leon Draisaitl (25 points) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (18 points), they form a top-six that few can match. Zach Hyman’s injury has complicated things, but 40-year-old Corey Perry stepping up as an X-factor in 2025 was not on my bingo card. From the blue line, Evan Bouchard has shown why he’s among the elite, contributing 16 playoff points as a powerplay key. I argued before the 4-Nations that I was surprised Canada overlooked him, and I’d be shocked if they repeated that mistake. Crucially, Mattias Ekholm’s return from injury adds veteran presence and defensive know-how, complementing Bouchard’s occasional defensive lapses.

Florida’s Balanced Attack

The Panthers may lack a superstar of McDavid’s caliber, but their collective strength is unmatched. Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart are two-way giants, while the second line of Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Carter Verhaeghe has dominated with physicality and scoring prowess. The third line, featuring Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Brad Marchand, has crushed opponents with a 10–2 goal differential. This is a team with no weak links.

Can Edmonton Stop Florida’s Forecheck?

Florida’s suffocating forecheck was the key to their 2024 victory and continues to terrorize opponents, with no team fully handling it. With the addition of future Hall of Famer Brad Marchand from Boston, Florida’s forward depth is unmatched. When their third line decides to chase pucks and apply pressure, they become a massive problem. For the Oilers to win, they’ll need to handle that pressure better than anyone has in the playoffs.

With Mattias Ekholm back, Edmonton’s mobile and physical defense should fare better than last year. Ekholm and Bouchard are key, but Jake Walman and John Klingberg have also surprised with strong play. Klingberg has suddenly learned to play in his own zone, stabilizing what was once a defensive liability. The Oilers are better equipped to handle Florida’s pressure this season, but whether it’s enough to win the series remains to be seen.

Goaltending Duel: Bobrovsky vs. Skinner

Sergei Bobrovsky, the “playoff king,” is once again among the postseason’s best goaltenders. His ability to elevate his game in clutch moments is remarkable, becoming synonymous with summer’s arrival. Only Frederik Andersen has better GAA (Goals Against Average) in the playoffs. Bobrovsky has been an absolute wall late in games. But Stuart Skinner has matched him. Both goaltenders are in top form, though Bobrovsky’s experience and Florida’s strong defense give him a slight edge. Edmonton, however, should be thrilled with Skinner, who has gone from inconsistent to performing like an elite goaltender. They say you can’t win without great goaltending, but the Oilers have proven otherwise. With Skinner playing his best hockey, they now have a goaltender who looks like he belongs among the elite—something they lacked all regular season. Being at your best when it matters most separates winners from losers, and right now, Skinner is a goaltender to reckon with.

Barkov vs. Draisaitl—or McDavid?

Aleksander Barkov, widely regarded as the NHL’s top two-way center, faces his toughest challenge yet in the Stanley Cup playoffs. As Florida’s defensive backbone, he’ll likely be tasked with neutralizing either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. In last year’s final, Barkov showcased his class, limiting Draisaitl’s line to a 3–1 goal differential at five-on-five while holding McDavid’s line to a 1–1 tie. It’s no coincidence he’s a favorite to win the Selke Trophy again—his ability to combine elite offense with shutting down top lines is unique. As I’ve said for years, he’s the world’s most complete hockey player for this reason.

This time, matchups could differ. With the series starting in Edmonton, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has the last-change advantage at home, allowing him to steer McDavid and Draisaitl away from Barkov’s line. This puts Florida’s Paul Maurice in a dilemma: stick with Barkov against Draisaitl, whom he successfully limited last year, or target McDavid? Last year, Maurice often matched Barkov against Draisaitl, especially on the road, while against Carolina this playoffs, he alternated between Jordan Staal’s shutdown line and Sebastian Aho’s top line. This flexibility shows Maurice isn’t afraid to adapt, and how he tackles Edmonton’s dual threat will be fascinating—and could decide the series.

X-Factor: Corey Perry

At 40, Corey Perry has become an unexpected key for the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. His MVP days with the Anaheim Ducks are a decade behind, but the veteran’s knack for delivering in big moments makes him an X-factor in this rematch against Florida. With Zach Hyman out, Perry has stepped up to the top line alongside McDavid or Nugent-Hopkins, and his seven playoff goals—including four on the powerplay—mark his third-best postseason in a long career. The challenge is steep. Perry isn’t the fastest skater anymore, and his defensive contributions are limited. If Florida neutralizes his net-front presence and forces mistakes in his own zone, he could become a liability. Yet, his experience and composure in clutch moments are invaluable. If Perry can turn back the clock and deliver a few more goals—perhaps a game-winner—he could be the difference that gives Edmonton their long-awaited revenge and Perry a second Stanley Cup ring.

Prediction and Betting Tip

This is a final between two titans, where small margins will decide the outcome. Edmonton has the world’s best player and an explosive offense, but Florida’s balanced roster and rock-solid defense make them my favorites—especially without Zach Hyman. Don’t get me wrong; I’d love to see McDavid lift the Cup this season. I even recommended betting on Edmonton to win the Stanley Cup before the season. But heading into this final, Florida is the rightful favorite. With the odds not even favoring them, I believe they’re the side to back. If there’s ever a time to stay up all night for world-class hockey, it’s now—this series will be one to remember for years to come!

Florida Panthers to win the series @ 2.10 on Pinnacle