A year after their intense, hard-fought seven-game series, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have battled their way back to face each other again in the Stanley Cup Final. Florida aims to defend its championship title, while Connor McDavid and the Oilers are seeking revenge for last year`s defeat.
Both teams reached the Stanley Cup Final with relative ease this postseason. Florida showed particularly dominant form in the Eastern Conference Final, overpowering the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers outscored the Hurricanes 21-10 and eliminated them in just five games.
Florida began its playoff journey by dominating their rival Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. However, they faced a scare from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round. The Leafs initially took a 2-0 series lead and pushed the defending champions to seven games, but the Panthers secured Game 7 convincingly.
The Panthers now stand as just the fourth team since 1980 to appear in the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive seasons. They have the opportunity to become the third team since 2000 to win back-to-back Cup titles.
For the Panthers to achieve this rare feat, they must overcome an Oilers team desperate to claim their first Stanley Cup since 1990. Last year, Edmonton was just one win away, but the Panthers narrowly won Game 7.
This postseason, Edmonton has been driven by a mission to get another shot at the Cup. After falling behind 2-0 in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers have been dominant, winning 12 of their last 14 games while defeating the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been exceptional, leading the NHL in playoff scoring with 26 and 25 points, respectively. This dynamic duo will be crucial in Edmonton`s push for the Cup, especially with Zach Hyman out of the lineup, placing even more pressure on their shoulders.
Before this highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch begins, let`s look at expert predictions on which team will ultimately lift the trophy.
Stanley Cup Final Predictions
Nivison: The Oilers and Panthers have undeniably been the two most impressive teams in these Stanley Cup Playoffs, making their Final rematch entirely fitting. As is often the case, the outcome of this series will likely depend on how well Edmonton`s depth players perform when McDavid and Draisaitl are not on the ice, as Florida holds a clear advantage in that area.
When McDavid and Draisaitl are playing at their peak, the Oilers are nearly unstoppable, a reality seen throughout the last few rounds. Contributions from players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and strong play from defenseman Evan Bouchard have been key. Crucially for Edmonton, goaltender Stuart Skinner has significantly improved his performance. Over his last six starts, Skinner boasts a .936 save percentage and has saved 4.81 goals above average.
Conversely, Florida`s roster shows no apparent weaknesses. The team receives vital contributions from all lines – its star players, depth forwards, and defensemen. Ten Panthers players have registered double-digit points this postseason, compared to just seven for the Oilers (with one now injured for the season). While Edmonton has defended well, the Panthers present a unique challenge. Florida possesses four lines capable of relentless forechecking, which will severely test the Oilers` defensive capabilities. Florida`s team defense, from Aleksander Barkov to the defensemen, has been elite. The matchup against McDavid and Draisaitl promises to be spectacular.
This series is expected to be another thrilling contest between these two formidable teams, but the final result may mirror last year. Florida`s superior depth and tenacious forechecking should wear down the Oilers, leading to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories for the Panthers. Prediction — Panthers def. Oilers 4-2
Bengel: Although neither team entered the playoffs as a top seed, the Oilers and Panthers have arguably been the most dominant teams in this year`s field. Their rematch marks just the fifth time in the NHL`s expansion era (since 1967) that the same two teams will contest the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive years, setting the stage for another intense battle.
Edmonton features an extremely top-heavy roster powered by the incredible one-two punch of McDavid and Draisaitl. When these two superstars are performing at their best, the Oilers become an incredibly potent offensive force. However, questions about their depth arise, especially after a significant loss in the Western Conference Final. Forward Zach Hyman suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, requiring season-ending surgery. Losing Hyman removes a significant goal-scoring threat from the top of the Oilers` lineup.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are built with exceptional depth across their roster, arguably one of the deepest teams constructed in recent years. Florida features a veteran core that plays an extremely aggressive forechecking game and boasts a highly capable defensive corps. Their formidable forward group includes five players with at least five goals this postseason. The addition of Brad Marchand at the trade deadline continues to pay dividends; the veteran winger brings a valuable mix of skill, grit, and experience. His 10 assists are tied for second on the team entering the Final, and his experience is expected to be crucial as the series progresses.
This rematch should be another entertaining series, similar to last season`s contest. However, ultimately, the Panthers` significant depth advantage is likely to be too much for the Oilers to overcome. Prediction — Panthers def. Oilers 4-3
