2025 Stanley Cup Final: Oilers vs. Panthers Odds, Analysis & Predictions
This will be the 12th Stanley Cup rematch in NHL history. However, the first seven only really count for the history of the sport, because there were only six teams (known as the Original Six). Since the 1967-68 season, when the leagues doubled in size from six to 12 squads, there have only been four other rematches: 1968-69, 1977-78, 1983-84, and 2008-09, with Pittsburgh and Detroit the last.
2025 Stanley Cup – Odds to Win (from Betonline)
Edmonton Oilers -122
Florida Panthers +102
There is one potentially significant difference this year, as Edmonton will have home ice advantage this time around, having lost Game 7 in Florida last season.
Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
For many basic hockey fans who follow their âteamâ during the regular season and watch the Stanley Cup playoffs because they are more interesting, there can be confusion about how they use points rather than go by records. This, along with designating teams where they finished in the division rather than league standings.
In this instance, we have – 3A and 3P â which tells us each team finished third in their division, specifically the Atlantic and Pacific.
The conference champions from a year ago were both in sixth place in points in their respective conferences, yet, are the best two teams again.
How the Edmonton Oilers Win the Cup
Edmonton lost the first three games of last yearâs Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers did not respond well to the always physical Florida style and
were outscored 11-4. Edmonton losing the series was believed to be a formality at that point, but in the Game 3 setback, the Oilers scored three times to fall 4-3, gaining a little momentum.
Edmonton flushed Florida in the next three contests by 18-5. The Oilers attacked the Panthers with great speed and execution in passing and spread out their defense. The offensive game plan will be similar, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers are much improved in 5-on-5 play and at +16 in the postseason this year. McDavid and company destroyed Dallas with a man-advantage scoring at least once in every contest and six times altogether. If they stay hot in this area, they will be tough to beat.
The other difference is the Oilers’ defense. No doubt they will have rough games, permitting four or more goals six times in 16 starts. However, after three bad showings in the first three playoff battles, they have tightened up and conceded one or fewer goals six times in their last eight tries. After losing his first three starts this postseason, netminder Stuart Skinner is 6-1 in his past seven starts, with a 1.41 goals a game average, a .944 save percentage, and three shutouts.
How the Florida Panthers Win the Cup
While you will hear a lot about Edmontonâs speed, itâs not like Florida skaters are wearing double-blade boots. The Panthers also have a great deal of speed and generate a lot of offense on breakaways or odd-man rushes. Because they are a larger team, they donât appear as fast, yet they jump into the offensive zone in a hurry and use their size and uncanny accurate passing in narrow areas to score.
Florida is even better than the Oilers 5-on-5 at +19 differential, and that comes from players like center Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe, and donât forget about former Bruin Brad Marchand. This team can match or surpass Edmontonâs scoring prowess.
After a pedestrian start, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida defense have stepped up with a 1.57 GAG, .935 save percentage, and two shutouts. There is no thought of Florida shutting down the Oilers’ offense; rather, reduce the damage and find ways to control ice time in the offensive zone to break down the Edmonton defense.
Prediction â Oilers in 7 â This should be an incredibly entertaining series, with each game fun to watch. Truthfully, Florida might be modestly better overall, but Edmonton has waited a year for this rematch and does enough to win four games. Plus, here is a history. The last seven teams to lose their first two games of the opening playoff series and reach the Stanley Cup Finals have hoisted the Cup each time.
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