The 2025 Stanley Cup Final kicked off on Wednesday night with the Edmonton Oilers looking to get payback on the Florida Panthers for their defeat in last spring’s series.
Compared to last season, the Oilers enter the Stanley Cup Final much more rested and with arguably a deeper roster. As for the Panthers, they’re essentially the same tough crew, plus a couple of key additions like Seth Jones and Brad Marchand.
"Feeling it is something else... There's the obvious excitement, the buzz around the city, in the building, in the locker room."
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 4, 2025
Enjoy @camtait's latest feature on #Oilers forward Jeff Skinner soaking in his long-awaited first playoff experience. https://t.co/3VogmsLTsK
But with the Edmonton Oilers poised to bring home Canada’s first Stanley Cup in over 30 years, here’s a look at three keys for the Oilers to take the series this time around.
Attack early
The Oilers need to take a page out of the Florida Panthers’ book and attack straight out of the gate. The Panthers' relentless forecheck starts from the opening whistle down to the final buzzer.
That is why the Oilers cannot afford to sit on their heels, waiting for the Cats to take the game to them. If the Oilers can dominate the series early, the club could get a couple of quick goals in the first period to put them in the driver’s seat.
Play a 60-minute game
One of the biggest issues with the Oilers has been playing a full 60 minutes. Granted, the Oilers have done a good job of playing a full, consistent game throughout the postseason. Except for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars, Edmonton has been solid for the duration of games.
That is why the Oilers cannot afford to take their foot off the gas against the Panthers, especially in the third period. The Panthers are too good to be left for dead. The Oilers need to close out games just as well as they open them.
Match intensity and physicality
The Panthers are an intense, physical team. They have players who combine physicality and skill extremely well. As such, the Oilers cannot afford to let the Panthers dictate the play by using their physical style to keep Edmonton at bay.
It’s worth pointing out that the Oilers are a much more physical team than last season. Players like Evander Kane and Trent Frederic add toughness and skill to the lineup. Then, there’s Corey Perry. He’s as mean as they come while still being able to put the puck in the back of the next.
All told, the Edmonton Oilers have the keys to win the series and get their first championship in nearly four decades. While many of us expect this series to go the distance once again, getting the first win will be crucial in building momentum as the series wears on.