The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is officially set, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. The Oilers secured their spot by eliminating the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, setting up a chance for redemption after their 2024 defeat.
Last year, the Panthers clinched their first-ever Stanley Cup title by overcoming the Oilers in a dramatic seven-game series. Florida initially took a commanding 3-0 lead, but Edmonton mounted a remarkable comeback to force a Game 7 before the Panthers ultimately triumphed.
This consecutive meeting between Edmonton and Florida marks a rare event: it`s just the fifth time in the NHL`s expansion era (since 1967) that the same two teams have squared off in the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years. Let`s look back at the previous four instances.
Canadiens vs. Blues (1968-69)
The Montreal Canadiens dominated the NHL in the late 1960s and 1970s, winning 11 Stanley Cups, including consecutive titles in 1968 and 1969. In 1968, Montreal swept the St. Louis Blues in four games, though all contests were decided by just one goal. Despite the sweep, Blues goaltender Glenn Hall earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, becoming one of only a handful of players to win the award on the losing side.
In 1969, the Canadiens again defeated the Blues in four games, but this series was less competitive. Montreal outscored St. Louis 12-3, with the Blues never scoring more than one goal in any game. Canadiens defenseman Serge Savard received the Conn Smythe Trophy that year, contributing significantly to Montreal`s fourth championship in five seasons.
Canadiens vs. Bruins (1977-78)
Montreal returned to Stanley Cup glory in the late 1970s, securing back-to-back championships against the Boston Bruins. In the 1977 final, the Canadiens swept Boston, starting with a dominant seven-goal performance in Game 1. Montreal scored 16 goals in the series, winning three games by multiple goals. Legendary forward Guy Lafleur was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for his stellar playoff performance, including two goals and seven assists in the final.
The 1978 rematch proved slightly more challenging for Montreal. After dropping the first two games, Boston responded forcefully, scoring eight goals across Games 3 and 4 to level the series. However, the Canadiens regrouped and closed out the series, outscoring the Bruins 8-2 in the final two contests. Defenseman Larry Robinson took home the Conn Smythe Trophy, highlighted by two goals and four assists in the final round.
Oilers vs. Islanders (1983-84)
The 1980s saw the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers emerge as powerhouses, leading to consecutive Stanley Cup Final clashes. In 1983, the Islanders completed a dynasty sweep, defeating the Oilers in four games. New York outscored Edmonton 17-6, scoring five or more goals in two games. Islanders goaltender Billy Smith earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, allowing just six total goals in the final series as part of a remarkable 13-3 playoff run.
The script flipped dramatically in the 1984 final. Edmonton, seeking their first title, defeated the Islanders in five games. While the teams split the first two low-scoring games, the Oilers offense exploded afterward, scoring at least five goals in each of the final three contests. Oilers superstar Mark Messier was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, contributing three goals and an assist in the final and amassing eight goals and 18 assists throughout the playoffs.
Penguins vs. Red Wings (2008-09)
The most recent back-to-back final rematch featured the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, the Presidents` Trophy-winning Red Wings were heavily favored. They took the first two games with a combined 7-0 score. Although Pittsburgh battled back to win two games, including a triple-overtime victory, Detroit ultimately prevailed. Red Wings winger Henrik Zetterberg earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for his playoff performance, including two goals and four assists in the final series.
The 2009 final was a memorable seven-game thriller. Again, Detroit won the first two games, but the Penguins made crucial adjustments. Pittsburgh won four of the next five games, capped by a dramatic 2-1 victory in Game 7 driven by Max Talbot`s two goals, securing their first championship since 1992. Penguins winger Evgeni Malkin received the Conn Smythe Trophy, leading the playoffs with 14 goals and 22 assists, including two goals and six assists in the final series.
