Can the Oilers Stop the Hot Panthers in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finals?
The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finals mark a rare and thrilling rematch. The Florida Panthers face the Edmonton Oilers for the second consecutive year. This series is the first back-to-back Finals matchup since the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings in 2008-09. It promises high-octane hockey. Both teams are hungry for the ultimate prize.
Last year, the Panthers claimed their first-ever Stanley Cup in a dramatic seven-game series. They overcame a 3-0 lead collapse to edge out the Oilers 2-1 in Game 7. Now, Edmonton seeks revenge. They aim to end Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought. Meanwhile, Florida looks to cement a dynasty with a repeat championship. Here’s a comprehensive preview covering odds, injuries, key matchups, hot and struggling players, and how to watch.
NHL Stanley Cup Finals Betting Odds
The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals are shaping up as a coin-flip series, with sportsbooks reflecting the tight competition. As of June 3, 2025, Bet105 lists the Edmonton Oilers as favorites at -121. The Florida Panthers are getting plus money at +104 to win the series. This is a narrower margin than last year, when Florida entered as -140 favorites.
The series is expected to be a grind. Analysts predict a long, back-and-forth battle. It will likely extend to six or seven games. For the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP), Edmonton’s Connor McDavid leads at -120. Next is Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky at +260. Aleksander Barkov follows at +425. Other notables include Leon Draisaitl (7-1), Matthew Tkachuk (25-1), and Sam Bennett (30-1). The over/under for Game 1 is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting the offensive firepower on both sides.
Bet105 has the Oilers as favorites in game one. The lines are below.
Injury Situation
Injuries could play a pivotal role in this series. For the Oilers, the absence of forward Zach Hyman due to an upper-body injury is a significant blow. Hyman leads the playoffs with 111 hits. He also contributed two goals against Florida in the regular season. However, he underwent surgery and is not expected to play. His absence increases the pressure on Edmonton’s depth players. Connor Brown and Jeff Skinner are likely to fill larger roles. Goaltender Calvin Pickard, who briefly replaced Stuart Skinner in the playoffs, is now healthy but expected to remain the backup.
For the Panthers, the lineup is remarkably healthy. Sam Reinhart, who missed time earlier, returned to form against Carolina, and fourth-line grinder A.J. Greer has slotted back into the lineup. Florida’s depth is bolstered by reserves like Nico Sturm and Jesper Boqvist, ready to step in if needed.
Top Matchups
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl vs. Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart
This marquee matchup pits Edmonton’s dynamic duo against Florida’s elite two-way forwards. McDavid, the playoff points leader with 26 (6 goals, 20 assists), is a game-breaker with unmatched speed and vision. Draisaitl, with 25 points, complements him with lethal finishing. Last year, McDavid controlled play against Barkov at five-on-five, but Florida’s captain held his own, breaking even in scoring. Barkov, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound center, is the league’s premier 200-foot player, excelling defensively while contributing 16 points. Reinhart, with two goals against Edmonton in the regular season, is a sniper who thrives in matchup roles. This battle will dictate the series’ flow, as Florida’s ability to neutralize Edmonton’s stars is critical.
Florida’s Forecheck vs. Edmonton’s Mobile Defense
Florida’s relentless forecheck and physicality (812 playoff hits, most in the NHL) will test Edmonton’s defensive mobility. The Panthers’ top-four defensemen—Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad, Seth Jones, and Niko Mikkola—stand as a formidable unit. They combine size, speed, and scoring. Jones has 7 points. Their aggressive style aims to pin Edmonton in their zone. The Oilers counter with a mobile blue line. It is led by Evan Bouchard, who has 6 goals and 26 assists in the playoffs. Mattias Ekholm returned from injury to bolster the unit. Edmonton’s ability to break out pucks against Florida’s heavy forecheck will be crucial, especially without Hyman’s physical presence.
Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Stuart Skinner
Goaltending could decide the series. Florida’s Sergei Bobrovsky has been a postseason rock, posting a 1.34 GAA and .944 save percentage over his last nine games, including two shutouts. His clutch performances, like allowing just four goals in Games 4-7 against Toronto, highlight his Cup-winning experience. Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner struggled early, losing his starting role to Pickard, but rebounded with a .944 save percentage in his last seven games. While Skinner has shown resilience, Bobrovsky’s edge in consistency and big-game experience gives Florida a slight advantage in net.
Hot Players
Florida Panthers
- Sergei Bobrovsky: The 36-year-old goaltender is on fire, with a .944 save percentage and 7-2 record in his last nine games. His ability to steal games makes him a Conn Smythe frontrunner.
- Sam Bennett: Leading the playoffs with 10 goals, Bennett has been a force, combining physicality with scoring touch. His third-line contributions are critical to Florida’s depth.
- Brad Marchand: Marchand was acquired at the trade deadline. He has 14 points, with 4 goals and 10 assists. This includes a game-changing overtime goal against Toronto. His agitating style disrupts opponents.
Edmonton Oilers
- Connor McDavid: The playoff points leader with 26, McDavid’s breakaway goal in Game 5 against Dallas showcased his clutch ability. He’s driven to erase last year’s heartbreak.
- Leon Draisaitl: With 25 points, Draisaitl’s playmaking is at peak form. He scored two goals against Florida in the regular season.
- Corey Perry: At 39, Perry set a playoff record for players his age with 7 goals. This includes a key power-play tally in Game 5 against Dallas. His net-front presence is vital.
Struggling Players
Florida Panthers
- Carter Verhaeghe: Verhaeghe scored in both regular-season games against Edmonton. However, he has been quieter in the playoffs. His Conn Smythe odds are only 50-1. He needs to rediscover his 2024 Finals form.
- Matthew Tkachuk: While still productive with 16 points, Tkachuk’s goal-scoring has dipped, and his physicality hasn’t translated to consistent offense. He must elevate against Edmonton’s top lines.
Edmonton Oilers
- Jeff Skinner: Stepping up in Hyman’s absence, Skinner has been inconsistent, with limited impact in Game 5 against Dallas. He needs to seize his expanded role.
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Despite 18 playoff points, his production has slowed, with only one goal in the Finals last year. He must regain his regular-season form (74 points).
How to Watch the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finals
The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals will be broadcast exclusively on TNT and truTV in the United States. Streaming will be available on Max. In Canada, games air on Sportsnet, CBC, and TVAS. The full schedule is as follows:
- Game 1: Wednesday, June 4, at Edmonton, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 2: Friday, June 6, at Edmonton, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 3: Monday, June 9, at Florida, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 4: Thursday, June 12, at Florida, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 5*: Saturday, June 14, at Edmonton, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 6*: Tuesday, June 17, at Florida, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
- Game 7*: Friday, June 20, at Edmonton, 8 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS)
(*if necessary)
Fans can also stream via Sling or follow live updates on the ESPN app with Emily Kaplan’s news alerts.
Prediction
This series is a clash of titans, with Edmonton’s high-octane offense (146 high-danger shots) meeting Florida’s physical, defensively sound game (2.29 goals-against per game). The Oilers’ home-ice advantage gives them a slight edge. McDavid’s mission for redemption adds to their advantage. However, Florida’s depth is formidable. Their goaltending and experience are also strong factors. Expect another seven-game classic, with Edmonton prevailing if Skinner holds up and their stars outshine Florida’s. Prediction: Oilers in 7.
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