The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers return to the ice for Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Friday, June 6, with the Oilers leading the series 1–0 after a dramatic 4–3 overtime victory in Game 1. That opening game was a high-octane affair filled with momentum swings, clutch performances, and elite-level pace, setting the tone for what promises to be a tightly contested championship showdown between two stylistically different but equally dangerous teams. The Panthers, who have been lauded all postseason for their aggressive forechecking and shot suppression, showcased their trademark physicality and zone pressure early in Game 1 but were ultimately undone by a late Edmonton push and a defensive breakdown in overtime that saw Connor McDavid thread a perfect pass to Leon Draisaitl for the game-winner. Sergei Bobrovsky was solid in net for Florida but needed more support in front, particularly in clearing rebounds and preventing the Oilers’ star forwards from dictating puck possession in high-danger areas. Florida’s top line of Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Sam Reinhart generated scoring chances but struggled to convert when it mattered most, while their power play remained ineffective against Edmonton’s tight penalty kill.

On the other side, the Oilers leaned heavily on their speed and transition play, with McDavid and Draisaitl taking advantage of Florida’s missteps in the neutral zone to create breakaways and extended pressure cycles. Edmonton’s special teams were the difference in Game 1, scoring twice on the power play while limiting Florida’s top unit to low-percentage looks from the perimeter. Defensively, the Oilers still looked vulnerable when hemmed in, but goaltender Stuart Skinner bailed them out with several key saves in the third period and overtime. Game 2 will likely see both coaches adjust lines, particularly to exploit or counteract defensive pairings and offensive zone starts, and the team that can win the puck battles along the boards and stay out of the box will gain a critical edge. The over/under is set at 6.5, and while Game 1 landed just under, the quality and quantity of scoring chances suggest that another multi-goal game is on deck unless the goaltenders steal the spotlight. Florida will need to find a way to quiet McDavid’s zone entries and protect the crease more aggressively, while Edmonton will look to build on its special teams edge and keep applying pressure with their forecheck. This series is already delivering high drama and elite execution, and Game 2 promises another emotional and tactical battle with championship momentum hanging in the balance.