The Florida Panthers arrive in Edmonton for Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with confidence and experience, having dominated their Eastern Conference playoff run with a 12–3 record that reflects both their scoring ability and disciplined structure. The Panthers, who lost to Vegas in last year’s Final, are back with a vengeance, combining offensive depth, elite goaltending, and playoff-tested resilience that has made them one of the most complete teams in the league. Offensively, Florida has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 4.2 goals per game this postseason thanks to standout performances from Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart, the latter leading the team in goals while providing consistent danger on the power play and in the slot. Tkachuk continues to be the emotional engine of the Panthers—physical, clutch, and effective in all three zones—while Aleksander Barkov brings elite two-way play that will be key in neutralizing Edmonton’s explosive top line. Behind them, depth players like Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell, and Eetu Luostarinen have chipped in timely goals, giving coach Paul Maurice the flexibility to roll four lines and match up effectively in any situation. On the defensive side, the Panthers have held opponents to just 2.1 goals per game in the playoffs, and Sergei Bobrovsky has once again elevated his game, posting multiple game-stealing performances, including several critical stops late in their Eastern Conference Final win over Carolina.

The blue line, led by Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad, and Brandon Montour, has done an excellent job closing gaps and limiting quality chances, and their ability to contain Edmonton’s transition game will be one of the defining factors of the series. Special teams have also been effective for Florida, with the penalty kill operating efficiently and the power play converting enough to swing momentum at key moments, though they will be tested heavily by Edmonton’s top-ranked units. Road performance has been a strength for the Panthers—they’re 6–2 ATS in their last eight away games and have shown a tendency to start fast and play with poise in hostile environments, a vital asset as they enter one of the league’s loudest buildings in Rogers Place. Experience and cohesion give Florida a slight edge in terms of system and structure, especially in the high-stakes moments that often define Cup Final games. If they can set the tone physically, slow the pace, and control possession in the offensive zone, the Panthers are fully capable of stealing Game 1 and seizing momentum. With revenge on their minds and a deep, battle-hardened lineup ready to execute, Florida’s mission is clear—dethrone the Oilers at home, assert their identity early, and begin their quest for the franchise’s first Stanley Cup with the same precision and fire that brought them back to the Final.