The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is a rare rematch, and this time, both teams come in hardened, smarter, and more alike than ever. A year after the Florida Panthers edged out the Edmonton Oilers in a grueling seven-game series, these once-opposite franchises return to the ice with a vengeance and a deeper hunger for glory. Game 1 drops Wednesday in Edmonton at 8 p.m. ET.
Much has changed since Florida claimed its first championship. The Panthers have bolstered their depth with battle-tested stars like Seth Jones and Brad Marchand, complementing their core of Matthew Tkachuk and captain Aleksander Barkov. Meanwhile, Edmonton has grown grittier and more seasoned, trading speed for strength and edge by adding Trent Frederic, Jeff Skinner, John Klingberg, and Jake Walman to support Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
NHL analysts agree—this is no longer a lopsided clash between finesse and force. “They’re the two nastiest teams left,” said Stanley Cup winner Mike Rupp. “They don’t get rattled. They play with intensity. At their core, they’re pretty similar.”
This rematch marks the NHL’s first Cup Final repeat pairing since 2009, bringing new tension to what’s already an electric rivalry. Florida enters its third consecutive final, having now won 10 of 11 playoff series under coach Paul Maurice. Edmonton, still stung by last year’s Game 7 heartbreak, is banking on maturity and physicality to rewrite the ending.
The Oilers are hungry, even without Zach Hyman, lost to a season-ending injury. But they’re ready to grind it out, a transformation evident in their Western Conference Final win over Dallas. McDavid, focused and determined, said of the Panthers: “They’re a special group. We’re a special group. It’s going to be fun.”
Barkov, fresh off receiving the Selke and King Clancy trophies in an emotional team moment, remains the Panthers’ quiet leader. His recognition for elite defensive play and humanitarian work reflects the club’s mature and unified identity.
With only four Cup Final rematches in the modern era, hockey fans can expect an immediate eruption of intensity. “I think it’s going to be gun shots, explosions right off the bat,” said retired defenseman Jason Demers.
Both teams have walked through fire to get here. Now, we’ll see if Edmonton’s scars bring redemption, or if Florida’s resilience delivers back-to-back titles.
Swifteradio.com
