Get ready for the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals! Watch the Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers rematch, discover key players to watch, and explore predictions for this epic showdown starting June 4. Don’t miss Game 4!
The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals kick off on June 4, featuring a thrilling rematch between the defending champion Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. After a dramatic seven-game series in 2024, where the Panthers claimed their first-ever title, both teams are back with vengeance on their minds. Here’s your guide to catching every moment, the players who could steal the show, and what to expect in this high-stakes clash.
How to Watch the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series starts Wednesday, June 4, at 8 p.m. ET in Edmonton, with the Oilers hosting due to their superior regular-season record. Every game will air on TNT and truTV, with streaming available on Sling TV, Max, and Sportsnet+ in Canada. Fans can also tune in via CBC or TVA Sports for additional coverage. Single-game tickets for Panthers’ home games in Sunrise go on sale today, June 4, at 3 p.m. ET via SeatGeek, with watch parties planned at Amerant Bank Arena for away games.
Full Schedule:
- Game 1: June 4, 8 p.m. ET, Edmonton
- Game 2: June 6, 8 p.m. ET, Edmonton
- Game 3: June 9, 8 p.m. ET, Sunrise
- Game 4: June 11, 8 p.m. ET, Sunrise
- Game 5 (if necessary): June 14, 8 p.m. ET, Edmonton
- Game 6 (if necessary): June 17, 8 p.m. ET, Sunrise
- Game 7 (if necessary): June 20, 8 p.m. ET, Edmonton
Key Players to Watch
This rematch pits two star-studded rosters against each other, with standout performances expected to shape the series:
Connor McDavid (Oilers): The 2024 Conn Smythe Trophy winner despite the loss, McDavid is a scoring juggernaut, leading the playoffs with 28 points (7 goals, 21 assists). His speed and vision make him a constant threat, and he’s determined to end Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought.
Aleksander Barkov (Panthers): The Panthers’ captain, aiming to become the first non-North American to captain two Cup-winning teams, brings elite two-way play. With 7 points in last year’s Finals, Barkov’s defensive prowess and clutch scoring will be critical.
Matthew Tkachuk (Panthers): Known for his gritty, “win-at-all-costs” style, Tkachuk’s 6 playoff game-winning goals rank him among the league’s best. His intensity could tilt close games.
Leon Draisaitl (Oilers): With 10 goals in the playoffs, Draisaitl’s power-play dominance and chemistry with McDavid make him a game-changer.
Sergei Bobrovsky (Panthers): Florida’s goaltender has been lights-out, posting a 1.57 GAA and .935 save percentage over his last 10 playoff games, including two shutouts. His 57 career playoff wins trail only Andrei Vasilevskiy among active goalies.
Why This Series Is a Must-Watch
This is the NHL’s first Stanley Cup Finals rematch since 2008-09 (Penguins vs. Red Wings), and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Panthers, in their third straight Finals, are chasing back-to-back titles, a feat not accomplished since the 2016-17 Penguins. Their dominant playoff run—crushing Tampa Bay, outlasting Toronto, and dismantling Carolina in five games—shows their championship pedigree. Meanwhile, the Oilers, who forced a Game 7 in 2024 after trailing 3-0, are fueled by revenge and a 6-3 rout of Dallas in the Western Conference Finals.
The matchup contrasts Florida’s physical, defensive style with Edmonton’s high-octane offense, led by McDavid and Draisaitl. Social media is buzzing, with X posts calling McDavid “destined” to lift the Cup and others praising the Panthers’ depth. One post noted, “This rematch feels like a movie sequel—bigger stakes, same stars.”
Predictions and Storylines
Betting odds give the Oilers a slight edge at -120, with the Panthers at +100, reflecting a near coin-flip series. Key storylines include:
Can the Oilers Flip the Script? Historically, two of the last four Stanley Cup rematches saw the previous loser win (Oilers in 1984, Penguins in 2009). Edmonton’s improved defense and lethal power play (converting at 29% in the playoffs) could be the difference.
Panthers’ Depth vs. Oilers’ Stars: Florida’s balanced attack, with contributors like Carter Verhaeghe (3 series-clinching goals) and Sam Bennett (10 playoff goals), faces Edmonton’s top-heavy lineup. Depth could decide tight games.
Goaltending Duel: Bobrovsky’s recent dominance meets Stuart Skinner’s redemption arc after last year’s struggles. The goalie who stays sharp in high-pressure moments could steal the series.
Analysts are split, with a recent survey of NHL coaches and executives favoring the Oilers 21-19, citing McDavid’s hunger and Edmonton’s defensive tweaks. However, the Panthers’ experience and physicality make them a formidable foe. Most predict a six-game series, with the Oilers slightly favored to win their first Cup since 1990.
