The Edmonton Oilers have punched their tickets to the Stanley Cup Final against the Panthers, and it seems Florida knows exactly how they want to play.
It goes without saying that in the last Finals, the Panthers played some of the most physical, rough hockey along their bid for the title. Last year’s seven game series saw Florida wear the Oilers down over the series, taking advantage of injuries to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
This year, it looks like Panthers head coach Paul Maurice is sticking with the same plan. That is, outmuscle the Oilers.
A resurfaced video making the rounds on the internet from a past series against Boston shows Maurice telling his players to forget about fancy plays and just “pound their [defence]” so that by Game 7, the opponents would be too tired to fight back.
“Now you want to make plays? F*** the plays! Pound their f****** [defence]. So in Game 7, they have nothing left!” Maurice can be heard in the audio of the clip.
it’s time, pomo 🙏 pic.twitter.com/TX8jPP5bKs
— nina (@flpantinhas) May 29, 2025
That mindset has become a trademark of this Panthers team. Forward Sam Bennett has caused several injuries in past playoff games and is expected to be a key player again. Florida seems to understand that they can’t fully stop McDavid’s speed and skill by playing clean. Instead, they plan to pressure him and wear down the Oilers’ lineup the same way they did last season.
McDavid and Draisaitl were reportedly dealing with injuries during last year’s Cup Final. While they seem healthier now, it’s possible they’re still not 100%. The Oilers' quick path to the final, just 10 games played over two rounds may have helped them rest, but the Panthers are already preparing to test their limits once again.
Oilers to finally have long-sought advantage against the Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers have secured the home ice advantage heading into the Stanley Cup Final. After battling through three playoff rounds on the road, the Oilers now find themselves in the rare position of hosting the Final in front of one of the NHL’s most passionate crowds.
Rogers Place is widely recognized as one of the loudest buildings in hockey and this year it might just tilt the scales.
Broadcaster Jack Michaels recently weighed in on how Oilers players must feel about last year’s Game 7 loss to Florida and wonder how different it could’ve been if the final showdown had been played in Edmonton.
“I think it's on the back of everyone's mind that, had Game 7 been played in Edmonton's venue as opposed to South Florida, there may have been a different outcome,” he said.
This time, if the series stretches to a decisive Game 7, the Oilers will be right where they want to be. At home, with the crowd behind them and the Stanley Cup within reach.
Game 1 of the Final begins June 4th. For Edmonton, the opportunity is there and now it’s about making that count.