Oilers vs. Panthers: Picks, predictions, odds for Stanley Cup Final Game 1
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers went seven games in the Stanley Cup Final a year ago. The teams are in the championship series again.
The history between these teams is palpable. Their stars have mutual respect for one another, as evidenced by how they parted ways at the end of the Final a year ago. According to NHL.com, Oilers captain Connor McDavid told Panthers right winger Matthew Tkachuk that their win was "well deserved," to which Tkachuk responded, "Hopefully, we'll see you next year."
Voila! They got their wish. This is the 12th time in NHL history that the Final presents the same matchup in back-to-back years.
Will this year's Final be just as good as last year's? Here's everything to know about Game 1:
Predictions for 2025 Stanley Cup Final
Paste BN Sports' predictions
Jason Anderson: Oilers in 7. If, when the playoffs began, you told me we'd see a Stanley Cup rematch, this prediction would have probably been Panthers in five or six. Florida has talent on all lines, Sergei Bobrovsky is Sergei Bobrovsky and the Panthers have the edge in terms of being fine-tuned for playoff hockey. However, there's something to the Oilers right now that goes beyond "they're the team that has Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl." Edmonton held the Dallas Stars to 17 shots in an elimination game, showing top-to-bottom poise, and Mattias Ekholm came back to bolster the defense as well. This Panthers team will be back, but for the first time since 1993, the Cup is heading to Canada.
Conn Smythe winner: McDavid, Oilers
Mike Brehm: Panthers in 6. The Oilers are better than they were last season, but the Panthers are also deeper than in 2024. They lack home-ice advantage for a fourth consecutive round, but they've done well without it, scoring five or more goals in their last five road games. As well as the Oilers are locking it down defensively, the Panthers' hard-forechecking style can force a team into mistakes. Looking back, my preseason pick for the Stanley Cup champion was the Oilers. I won't be surprised if they win, but Florida should become a repeat champion.
Conn Smythe winner: Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
Jace Evans: Oilers in 6. The Panthers are basically a perfect playoff team, so it won't be surprising if they repeat. But Edmonton has the two best players in this series in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and I remain steadfast in my belief they will lead the Oilers to a championship. Still, the Oilers no longer rely just on them. The depth has come through these playoffs – though losing Zach Hyman hurts – and, even more important, the Oilers have shown incredible shutdown ability. That defensive play (that in theory could even improve with Mattias Ekholm back) will be the difference.
Conn Smythe winner: Draisaitl, Oilers
Ryan Hodges, Pickswise: Oilers to win series
"Since losing the first two games of this postseason to the Kings, the Oilers have gone 12-2 with a +25 goal differential. It is an even more impressive run considering who they beat. The Kings, Golden Knights, and Stars respectively finished four, nine, and five points better than the Oilers during the regular season. Vegas and Dallas specifically were juggernauts all year. Edmonton beat them both in five games. In no way is this sleeping on a Panthers team that is here for a third straight year and for good reason. But the Oilers have had arguably a tougher road to the Finals, dominated that tougher road, and now have home-ice advantage. The Oilers are in a great spot to redeem last year’s loss."
Austin Nivison, CBS Sports: Panthers to win in 6
"Florida's roster has no clear holes. The team is getting key contributions from everyone - the stars, role players and the defense. Ten Panthers have double-digit points in these playoffs compared to just seven Oilers, one of which is now out for the season. Edmonton has defended quite well, but the Panthers are unlike any other opponent. Florida has four lines that can grind even the best defensive corps into a pulp, so the Oilers' defense will face its greatest test in this series."
Neil Parker, Covers: Sergei Bobrovsky OVER 24.5 saves in Game 1
"The two-time Vezina Trophy winner and reigning Stanley Cup Champion is building a Conn Smythe case, and the Cats will need Goalie Bob at his best in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers. ... Edmonton enters the series (on) its own tear... The Oilers have won 12 of their past 14 games, averaging 4.14 goals and 31.6 shots per game. During this streak, Edmonton has gone 6-1 with 4.71 goals per game on home ice. Florida has been the better possession team overall in the postseason with a solid 53.7 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, while Edmonton enters with a 51.9% mark."
Panthers vs. Oilers Game 1 odds, lines
*All odds via BetMGM (as of Tuesday, June 3)
- Spread: Oilers (-1.5)
- Moneyline: Oilers (-130); Panthers (+110)
- Over/Under: 6
Odds to win 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final
All odds via BetMGM (as of Tuesday, June 3)
- Oilers -125
- Panthers +105
Odds to win Stanley Cup Final: Number of games
Panthers 4-3: +500
Oilers 4-0: +1200
Oilers 4-1: +550
Oilers 4-2: +425
Oilers 4-3: +425
Panthers 4-0: +1400
Panthers 4-1: +650
Panthers 4-2: +425
How to watch Panthers vs. Oilers Game 1
- Date: Wednesday, June 4
- Location: Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: TNT, truTV
- Streaming: Max
Stanley Cup Final schedule
*- if necessary
- Game 1: Wednesday, June 4 at Edmonton - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
- Game 2: Friday, June 6 at Edmonton - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
- Game 3: Monday, June 9 at Florida - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
- Game 4: Thursday, June 12 at Florida - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
- Game 5*: Saturday, June 14 at Edmonton - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
- Game 6*: Tuesday, June 17 at Florida - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
- Game 7*: Friday, June 20 at Edmonton - 8 p.m. ET on TNT
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