2025 Stanley Cup Final

Paths to the Final

The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers each faced challenging regular seasons and playoff brackets to earn their second consecutive meeting in the Stanley Cup Final. Edmonton, appearing in its ninth Final overall, sought its first championship since its dynasty era ended in 1990. Following their loss in the 2024 Final, the Oilers underwent significant front-office and roster changes. General manager Ken Holland departed, with Stan Bowman hired as his replacement after an interim period under CEO Jeff Jackson. Key offseason acquisitions included forwards Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, while the team retained core players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor Brown. At the trade deadline, the Oilers added defenseman Jake Walman and forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones. Leon Draisaitl led the team with 106 points during the regular season, which saw Edmonton finish third in the Pacific Division with a 48-29-5 record. Veteran forward Corey Perry was making his fifth Final appearance in six seasons, having previously won with Anaheim in 2007.

The Florida Panthers, appearing in their third straight and fourth overall Final, aimed to defend their title and build a modern dynasty. The offseason saw them sign forwards Jesper Boqvist and Tomas Nosek and re-sign critical pieces like Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell. As the trade deadline approached, General Manager Bill Zito made aggressive moves to bolster the roster, acquiring defenseman Seth Jones, goaltender Vitek Vanecek, and, in a headline-grabbing move, Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand. Captain Aleksander Barkov won his third Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward, while Sam Reinhart led the team with 81 points. Florida finished third in the Atlantic Division with a 47-31-4 record, setting the stage for another deep playoff run that would require them to overcome series deficits.

The Edmonton Oilers finished third in the Pacific Division during the regular season with a 48-29-5 record. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated their intra-division rival, the Los Angeles Kings, in six games, eliminating them for the fourth consecutive season. They then defeated the division champion Vegas Golden Knights in five games during the second round. In the Western Conference final, they triumphed over the Dallas Stars for the second consecutive season, winning in five games to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

• First Round: Defeated Los Angeles Kings 4-2.
• Second Round: Defeated Vegas Golden Knights 4-1.
• Conference Final: Defeated Dallas Stars 4-1.

The Florida Panthers finished third in the Atlantic Division during the regular season with a 47-31-4 record. In the first round of the playoffs, they defeated their intra-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, in five games. They then defeated the division champion Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games during the second round, despite initially trailing 2-0 and 3-2 in the series. In the Eastern Conference final, they eliminated the Carolina Hurricanes for the second time in three seasons, winning in five games to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

• First Round: Defeated Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1.
• Second Round: Defeated Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3.
• Conference Final: Defeated Carolina Hurricanes 4-1.

Both teams demonstrated resilience on their paths to the Final. The Panthers overcame series deficits against the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning that series in seven games. The Oilers dispatched rivals like the Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars with relative efficiency, winning each series in five games. The Oilers' path included eliminating the Los Angeles Kings for the fourth consecutive season. The Panthers defeated their in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning for the second time in three postseasons. Their journeys set the stage for a highly anticipated championship rematch of the 2024 Final.

Series Summary

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final was a dramatic six-game series characterized by overtime thrillers, historic comebacks, and standout individual performances. The Edmonton Oilers held home-ice advantage due to their superior regular-season record, but the Florida Panthers' depth and clutch scoring ultimately prevailed. The series opened at Rogers Place in Edmonton on June 4, with the teams splitting the first two games. Game one required overtime, where Leon Draisaitl scored a power-play goal to give Edmonton a 4-3 victory. Game two extended to double overtime, where Brad Marchand scored his second goal of the night to secure a 5-4 win for Florida, tying the series and giving Marchand a shorthanded and an even-strength goal in the contest.

The scene shifted to Amerant Bank Arena for games three and four. The Panthers dominated game three with a 6-1 victory, a game in which the Oilers accumulated 85 penalty minutes, the most for one team in a Final game since 1986. Game four featured one of the most memorable comebacks in Final history. The Panthers built a 3-0 lead in the first period, but the Oilers stormed back, forcing overtime where Leon Draisaitl scored his fourth overtime goal of the playoffs to win 5-4 for Edmonton. This marked the seventh time a team had overcome a three-goal deficit in the Final and the first since 2006, with Draisaitl also becoming the first player since 1993 to score two overtime goals in the same Stanley Cup Final.

With the series tied 2-2, game five in Edmonton became a critical contest. The Panthers seized control early, building a 4-1 lead en route to a 5-2 victory to take a 3-2 series lead. The series returned to Florida for game six on June 17, where the Panthers delivered a commanding performance to clinch the championship. Sam Reinhart scored four goals, including two empty-netters, in a 5-1 victory. Reinhart became the first player since Babe Dye in 1922 to score four goals in a series-clinching Final game. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves to secure the Cup, and the Panthers became the first team since 1978 to defeat the same opponent in consecutive Finals.

Notable Records and Achievements

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final was a milestone event that produced several notable records and historic achievements. The Florida Panthers' victory marked the first time since the 1978 Montreal Canadiens that a team defeated the same opponent in consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. The Panthers also became just the third team in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup without having home-ice advantage in any round of the playoffs, joining the 1995 New Jersey Devils and the 2012 Los Angeles Kings. This was also the sixth consecutive Final to feature a team from the state of Florida, a clear sign of the region's sustained hockey prominence over the last several seasons and a streak that began with the Tampa Bay Lightning's appearance in 2020.

Individual records were equally significant. Panthers forward Sam Reinhart's four-goal performance in the series-clinching game six was a historic feat. Reinhart also was the first player to score four goals in any Final game since Maurice Richard in 1957. For the Oilers, Leon Draisaitl set a new NHL record for most overtime goals in a single postseason with four, a mark he achieved with his game-winner in game four. Draisaitl also became the first player since John LeClair in 1993 to score two overtime goals in the same Stanley Cup Final, highlighting his clutch performance under pressure.

The series also featured a Conn Smythe Trophy win for a less-heralded star. Panthers forward Sam Bennett, who provided consistent secondary scoring and physical play throughout the playoffs, was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the entire postseason. His performance exemplified the Panthers' depth beyond their top-line stars. The following table highlights key statistical leaders from the series, illustrating the offensive contributions that defined the championship and showing how Reinhart and Draisaitl led their respective teams in scoring during the Final.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final was one of the most statistically significant series in recent NHL history. Leon Draisaitl set a record for the most overtime goals scored in one playoff season, including two in the Final. Sam Reinhart became the second player in league history to score four goals in a series-clinching game in the Stanley Cup Final. The Florida Panthers became the first team since the 1978 Montreal Canadiens to defeat the same opponent in consecutive Finals. They are also the third team to win the Stanley Cup without having home ice advantage in any round of the playoffs.

Stanley Cup Engraving and Rosters

Following their game six victory, the Stanley Cup was presented to Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The subsequent engraving of the 2024-25 Florida Panthers on the trophy followed standard league protocols, with a few unique notes. Player Nico Sturm, who played 15 regular season and eight playoff games for Florida but was a healthy scratch for the entire Final, did not automatically qualify for engraving. However, the team petitioned successfully to have his name included. In doing so, Sturm became the first German player in NHL history to have his name engraved on the Cup with two different teams, having previously won with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. Sam Reinhart's full first name, Samson, was engraved for the second consecutive year, maintaining the tradition started with the 2024 championship.

Not all personnel associated with the championship were included on the trophy. Defenceman Jaycob Megna and goaltender Evan Cormier, who were on the roster during the Final but did not meet the games-played threshold, were left off the engraving but received championship rings and were in the team photo. Several front-office members from the 2024 engraving, including Senior Advisor Paul Fenton and Director of Player Personnel Bryan McCabe, were omitted from the 2025 band to make room for new names. Vice Chairman Doug Cifu, who was suspended by the NHL during the playoffs for comments deemed inappropriate, was included on the 2024 engraving but left off the 2025 title as a direct consequence of that league discipline.

The championship rosters for the Final reflected the strategic builds of both franchises. The Panthers' roster was a blend of homegrown talent like Barkov and Reinhart, key trade acquisitions like Marchand and Jones, and veteran role players such as Sergei Bobrovsky. The Oilers' roster was built around the superstar duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, supplemented by offseason additions like Jeff Skinner and deadline pickups like Jake Walman. Corey Perry of the Oilers made his sixth career Final appearance, having previously won with Anaheim in 2007. The roster construction on both sides highlighted the different team-building philosophies that converged in the championship series, with Florida emphasizing depth and Edmonton relying heavily on its elite top-end talent.

Broadcast and Media Coverage

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final had extensive broadcast coverage across North America, continuing existing media rights agreements. In Canada, the series was broadcast for the eleventh consecutive year by Sportsnet and CBC Television in English, and by TVA Sports in French. All games were also available for streaming on Sportsnet+. This consistent national coverage ensured widespread access for Canadian hockey fans to follow the series featuring the country's last remaining franchise, the Edmonton Oilers. The broadcast deal provided comprehensive pre-game and post-game analysis for the entire championship series, with significant attention on the Connor McDavid-led Oilers' quest to end Canada's long Stanley Cup drought.

In the United States, the series was televised on TNT and simulcast on TruTV, with streaming available on Max. This marked the first time the Final was available on the Max streaming service, which had begun carrying TNT Sports-produced NHL telecasts the previous season. The 2025 Final fell in an odd year, which under the current seven-year U.S. media rights deal meant the series belonged to TNT, while ABC holds the rights in even years. A significant accessibility initiative continued for the second straight year. An alternate telecast with commentary and analysis in American Sign Language (ASL) was produced for the benefit of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This broadcast was available on Sportsnet+ in Canada and on Max in the United States, representing a committed effort by the league and its partners to make the championship more inclusive. The continuation of this ASL broadcast built on the success of its introduction during the 2024 Stanley Cup Final and provided a dedicated viewing option for a segment of the hockey audience that had previously been underserved.

Aftermath and Significance

The Florida Panthers' victory in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final cemented their status as a powerhouse in the modern NHL and established a true dynasty with back-to-back championships. The win validated the aggressive roster management of General Manager Bill Zito, whose deadline acquisition of Brad Marchand proved instrumental. The series demonstrated the fine margins at the sport's highest level, with the Oilers' historic comeback in game four ultimately not enough to shift the series momentum permanently against a deep and resilient Panthers squad. The Final had broader significance for the league's historical narrative. The Panthers joined a small group of teams to win consecutive titles in the salary-cap era, a feat of sustained excellence that is notoriously difficult to achieve. The series rematch itself, the first since 2009, generated tremendous fan interest and narrative depth, as it pitted the same elite teams against each other over a two-year story arc. The Panthers' accomplishment of winning without home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs highlighted the unpredictability and parity of the postseason, a fact that will encourage other teams in future seasons and reinforce the idea that any playoff qualifier can make a deep run.

Individual legacies were also shaped. Sam Bennett's Conn Smythe Trophy win highlighted the value of versatile, playoff-hardened performers who excel in all situations. Sam Reinhart's historic four-goal game secured his place in playoff lore and among the great clutch performers in Final history. For the Oilers, core players like McDavid and Draisaitl continued to build their playoff resumes, with Draisaitl setting a new overtime goals record. The 2025 Final will be remembered as a classic series that blended individual brilliance, team resilience, and historic milestones, ultimately crowning a repeat champion and adding a significant chapter to NHL history that future generations of hockey fans will study and discuss.

Questions about 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Who won the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?

The Florida Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Edmonton Oilers four games to two. They clinched the championship with a 5-1 victory in game six on June 17, 2025, at Amerant Bank Arena. This marked the Panthers' second consecutive Stanley Cup title and the second championship in franchise history. The victory made them the first team to defeat the same opponent in consecutive Finals since the Montreal Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins in 1978.

Who was the MVP of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs?

Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. Bennett was a consistent contributor throughout the Panthers' postseason run, providing key goals, physical play, and defensive responsibility. His performance exemplified the depth that propelled Florida to its second straight championship. The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded based on a player's performance throughout the entire playoffs, not just the Final series.

What records were set during the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?

Several notable records were set during the 2025 Final. Panthers forward Sam Reinhart became the first player since Babe Dye in 1922 to score four goals in a series-clinching Stanley Cup Final game, achieving the feat in game six. Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl set a new NHL record for most overtime goals in a single postseason with four, scoring his fourth in game four. Draisaitl also became the first player since 1993 to score two overtime goals in the same Stanley Cup Final. The Florida Panthers became the third team ever to win the Cup without home-ice advantage in any playoff round.

How did the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers reach the 2025 Final?

The Edmonton Oilers finished third in the Pacific Division. They defeated the Los Angeles Kings in six games in the first round, the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in the second round, and the Dallas Stars in five games in the Western Conference final. The Florida Panthers finished third in the Atlantic Division. They defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games in the first round, the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the second round, and the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the Eastern Conference final. This set up a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Where could Canadians watch the 2025 Stanley Cup Final?

In Canada, the 2025 Stanley Cup Final was broadcast on Sportsnet and CBC Television in English, and on TVA Sports in French. All games were also available for live streaming on the Sportsnet+ platform. This marked the eleventh consecutive year of this broadcast arrangement for the Final in Canada. An alternate American Sign Language (ASL) telecast was available for streaming on Sportsnet+ for the second straight year.

What was significant about the Stanley Cup engraving for the 2025 Panthers?

The engraving of the 2024-25 Florida Panthers on the Stanley Cup included several unique notes. Forward Nico Sturm, who did not play in the Final, was included via petition, making him the first German player to have his name engraved on the Cup with two different teams. Sam Reinhart was engraved with his full first name, 'Samson'. Some personnel from the 2024 engraving were omitted to make room for new names, and Vice Chairman Doug Cifu was left off due to a league suspension during the playoffs.

Sources and further reading

• 2025 Stanley Cup Final (Wikipedia)
• 2025 Stanley Cup Final schedule (nhl.com)
• 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final: EDM vs. FLA (hockey-reference.com)
• Stanley Cup Finals 2025: Schedule, Tickets & Viewing Guide (radicalstorage.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-19.