Redeeming oneself and all of Canada: Edmonton's final mission

The Edmonton Oilers are looking for revenge and want to end their 35-year titleless streak in the North American NHL. However, the Canadians face the most dreadful rival of all.

June 03, 2025

From: apa

In a rematch of last year's final, the team led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will challenge the Florida Panthers, who are in their third consecutive final. The best-of-seven Stanley Cup series begins Thursday night (CEST) and Saturday in Edmonton, with two games following next week in Sunrise.

Since 2020, a team from the Sunshine State has made the final every year, and the Stanley Cup has also gone to Florida three times thanks to the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020, 2021) and the Panthers (2024). Canada, the home of ice hockey, has been waiting for a triumph for 32 years (Montreal Canadiens in 1993).

Edmonton relies on star duo

The Oilers, who won five games between 1984 and 1990, have been yearning for their next triumph for 35 years. Wayne Gretzky led Edmonton to the Cup four times back then, and now a superstar duo is set to accomplish it. Canadian McDavid is the playoffs' top scorer with six goals and 20 assists, closely followed by German Draisaitl (25).

“It will be another incredible fight” Florida star Sam Reinhart

Florida striker Sam Reinhart, who won the championship last year, said before the final: "It will be an incredible battle again. We know what they're capable of. They're pretty dominant and are led by two of the best players in the world." Edmonton had tied the game 3-3 last year after three losses, but the Panthers won the decisive seventh game 2-1 thanks to a Reinhart goal.

Florida won both season duels

Even though the star duo is grabbing the headlines, the Panthers coach highlighted the Oilers' improved defense. "If you look at their strengths, last year it was their offensive game, but our defensive structure is pretty good," said Paul Maurice. This year, "they're further along in their defensive structure, and we've made progress with our offensive structure. So both teams have improved."

“We’re a little more mature.” Oilers striker Leon Draisaitl

A thrilling final series is expected, similar to the two regular season duels that Florida won, but were closely contested 6-5 and 4-3. The Oilers hope they've learned from last year's experience. "We're a bit more mature, know how to handle these situations, and can stay as evenly matched as everyone says," Draisaitl explained.

Last year, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk lifted the Stanley Cup. © APA / CARMEN MANDATO

For the eleventh time overall, and the first time since 2009, the same clubs have faced each other in the final two years in a row. Seven times, they successfully defended their titles and four times sought revenge. Since the playoffs have been played with 16 teams, the challengers have prevailed both times.

The final program:

Game 1: Edmonton Oilers – Florida Panthers (Thursday, 2 a.m.*)
Game 2: Edmonton Oilers – Florida Panthers (Saturday, 2 a.m.*)
Game 3: Florida Panthers – Edmonton Oilers (Tuesday, 2 a.m.*)
Game 4: Florida Panthers – Edmonton Oilers (Friday, 2 a.m.*)

There may be 7 more games in the best-of-3 series.

*Central European Summer Time