Just one year after their hard-fought seven-game series, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have battled their way back to face off once again in the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers aim to defend their title after winning their previous encounter, while Connor McDavid and the Oilers are fueled by a desire for revenge.
Both teams reached the Stanley Cup Final relatively smoothly. Florida demonstrated particular dominance in the Eastern Conference Final, outscoring the Carolina Hurricanes 21-10 and eliminating them in just five games.
Florida started their playoff journey with a convincing victory over their rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in the first round. However, they faced a challenge from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round. The Leafs took a 2-0 series lead and pushed the defending champions to a decisive Game 7, which the Panthers won handily.
This marks the fourth time since 1980 that the Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive seasons. They have the opportunity to become the third team since the year 2000 to win back-to-back Cup championships.
To achieve this rare feat, the Panthers must overcome an Oilers team desperate for their first Stanley Cup victory since 1990. Last year, they came within one win, but Florida narrowly prevailed in Game 7.
This postseason, Edmonton has been on a mission to earn another shot at the Cup. After trailing 2-0 in their first-round series against the Kings, the Oilers have posted an impressive 12-2 record, powering past the Vegas Golden Knights and the Dallas Stars.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been outstanding, leading the NHL in playoff scoring with 26 and 25 points, respectively. This dynamic duo will be crucial in Edmonton`s quest for the Cup, and their importance is amplified with Zach Hyman sidelined by injury.
As this highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch begins, here are expert predictions on which team will ultimately lift the trophy.
Stanley Cup Final Predictions
Nivison: The Oilers and Panthers have arguably been the two strongest teams throughout these Stanley Cup Playoffs, making this rematch a fitting conclusion. As often is the case, the series outcome will likely depend on the performance of Edmonton`s depth players when McDavid and Draisaitl are not on the ice, as Florida holds a clear advantage in overall roster depth.
When McDavid and Draisaitl are playing at their peak, the Oilers are incredibly difficult to defeat, a pattern observed in recent rounds. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has stepped up significantly, and Evan Bouchard has excelled on the defensive end. Crucially for Edmonton, Stuart Skinner has dramatically improved his play in net. Over his last six starts, Skinner has saved 4.81 goals above average with a .936 save percentage.
Florida`s roster appears to have no significant weaknesses. Contributions are coming from everyone – the star players, the role players, and the defensemen. Ten Panthers players have recorded double-digit points in these playoffs, compared to only seven for the Oilers, one of whom is now out for the season. Edmonton`s defense has been solid, but the Panthers present a unique challenge. Florida`s four lines are capable of wearing down even the best defensive units with their relentless forecheck, meaning the Oilers` defense will face its toughest test yet. Florida`s collective team defense, led by players like Aleksander Barkov and Seth Jones, has been superb. The matchup against McDavid and Draisaitl will be fascinating to watch.
This series is expected to be another thrilling battle between these two teams, but the outcome is predicted to mirror last year. The Panthers` superior depth and tenacious forechecking will wear down the Oilers, leading Florida to consecutive Stanley Cup victories. Prediction: Panthers defeat Oilers 4-2.
Bengel: Despite neither team entering the playoffs as a top overall seed, there is little doubt that the Oilers and Panthers have been the most impressive teams in the field this year. Their meeting marks just the fifth Stanley Cup Final rematch since the NHL`s expansion era began in 1967, as they prepare for another intense confrontation.
The Oilers feature a highly top-heavy roster centered around the dynamic offensive punch of McDavid and Draisaitl. When these two are performing at their best, Edmonton is an incredibly dangerous offensive force. However, concerns about their depth have been amplified by a significant injury to their top six forwards in the Western Conference Final. Forward Zach Hyman suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars and required season-ending surgery. Losing Hyman removes a substantial amount of goal-scoring prowess from the top of the Oilers` lineup.
In contrast, the Panthers are one of the deepest teams constructed in recent memory. Florida boasts a veteran group that is exceptionally aggressive on the forecheck, supported by a very capable defensive corps. The Panthers are led by a formidable forward group, with five players having scored at least five goals this postseason. The addition of Brad Marchand at the trade deadline continues to pay dividends, as the veteran winger brings a versatile skill set. His 10 assists are tied for second on the team heading into the Stanley Cup Final, and his experience should be a crucial factor as the series progresses.
This is expected to be another entertaining series, similar to last season`s matchup. However, the Panthers` depth is predicted to ultimately be too much for the Oilers to handle. Prediction: Panthers defeat Oilers 4-3.
