2025 Stanley Cup: Odds, Picks & Conn Smythe Favorites
The Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers are gearing up for an electrifying Stanley Cup rematch, setting the stage for a battle of titans. Last year’s nail-biting final, which saw the Panthers crowned champions, now reignites with the Oilers seeking redemption on home ice. Can Connor McDavid lead the Oilers to glory after his Conn Smythe Trophy win, or will the Panthers defend their title? This year marks the fifth time since 1967-68 where the same teams from the prior year’s final meet. News Directory 3 provides an in-depth analysis of the series, from key matchups to the players to watch. Discover what’s next as the puck drops.
Stanley Cup Final Rematch: Oilers Host Panthers
Updated June 8, 2025
The Edmonton oilers and Florida Panthers are set to clash in a highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch, marking only the fifth time since 1967-68 that the previous year’s finalists meet again. The Panthers, who secured their first championship title last season by defeating the Oilers in seven games, will face Edmonton with the Oilers holding home-ice advantage, beginning with Game 1 on Wednesday.
this series marks the first back-to-back Final appearance for the same teams since the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins battled in 2008 and 2009. Montreal Canadiens faced St. louis Blues (1968, 1969) and Boston Bruins (1977, 1978), while the New York Islanders played Edmonton (1983, 1984) in consecutive years.
Both the Panthers and Oilers dominated their conference finals, each winning their series in five games. Florida defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, while edmonton eliminated the Dallas Stars for the second straight postseason. The panthers, who nearly lost a 3-0 lead in the 2024 Final, secured two one-goal victories against Edmonton during the regular season.
Florida is the ninth franchise in NHL history to make three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances. They are also the sixth straight team from Florida to reach the Final, following the Tampa Bay Lightning’s three-year run from 2020-22.
This marks Florida’s fourth overall Final appearance and Edmonton’s ninth. The Oilers are making their third back-to-back appearance and their first since winning the Cup in 1987 and 1988.
Despite the Oilers’ loss last year, Connor McDavid earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, joining a select group of players to win the award as part of the losing team. McDavid led the league with 42 postseason points.
Entering the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, McDavid leads all scorers with 26 points in 16 games, closely followed by teammate Leon Draisaitl with 25. Aleksander Barkov leads the Panthers with 17 points.
What’s next
The Stanley Cup Final promises intense competition as the Oilers seek revenge and the Panthers aim to defend their title.