When two teams reach the Stanley Cup Final, it's usually because they’ve both got elite goaltending, dependable defense, and dynamic forward groups. In this year’s clash between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, both clubs boast talented top-six units and a bottom six capable of grinding and contributing timely offense. But when you compare these groups head-to-head, the Oilers may just have the slight edge up front.
Florida’s Forward Core: Balanced, Tough, Tested
The Panthers bring a bruising, playoff-tested forward group. Aleksander Barkov remains one of the game’s premier two-way centers, capable of shutting down top lines and driving offense. He’s flanked by Evan Rodrigues and 57-goal scorer Sam Reinhart, giving Florida a dangerous, defensively responsible top trio.
The second line of Verhaeghe-Bennett-Tkachuk is physical, fast, and relentless. Tkachuk is the emotional heartbeat, while Verhaeghe’s scoring touch and Bennett’s edge give this line a nasty playoff flavor.
Down the lineup, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen form a reliable third-line combo, and while Brad Marchand is a bit of a surprise addition at this stage of his career, his experience adds a layer of depth. Players like Tomas Nosek and A.J. Greer round out a fourth line built for forechecking and energy.
Edmonton’s Forward Core: Star Power and Depth
Edmonton rolls out arguably the most dangerous forward duo in the NHL with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl down the middle. McDavid is the game-breaker, and his chemistry with Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Perry, who has brought valuable veteran leadership, has been noticeable. Draisaitl’s line, featuring Evander Kane and Kasperi Kapanen, provides a mix of physicality and scoring punch, although Kane’s health and consistency are always something to monitor.
The real reason the Oilers get the edge is what’s happened deeper in the lineup. Since the second round, their third and fourth lines have stepped up. Podkolzin and Janmark bring defensive reliability and grit, while Arvidsson, when healthy, adds a scoring threat. Jeff Skinner, return, has seamlessly blended into the lineup. Meanwhile, Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic give the Oilers a tenacious, smart, playoff-style fourth line.
Who Has the Edge? Slight Nod to Edmonton
While Florida’s top six is formidable and their bottom six is strong defensively, the Oilers have a slight edge because of their top-end talent and recent depth production. McDavid and Draisaitl are simply the two best players in the series, and Edmonton’s depth forwards have answered the call more consistently in the last two rounds. If that trend continues, it could be what tips the scales.