- Florida Panthers win consecutive Stanley Cups, defeating Edmonton in six games.
- Sam Bennett wins Conn Smythe Trophy after breakout postseason.
- Connor McDavid falls short again despite strong playoff run.
The Florida Panthers have firmly established themselves as the NHL’s newest dynasty with their second consecutive Stanley Cup, overcoming the Edmonton Oilers in a fiercely contested six-game series.
For Edmonton, the loss stings deeply. Despite strong overall contributions from Connor McDavid, his one goal in the Final highlighted how thoroughly Florida’s defense, especially Barkov and Forsling, stifled the league’s best player.
Cup Repeat Makes Panthers the Team to Beat—and Puts Oilers at a Crossroads
Florida’s ability to repeat as Stanley Cup champions in today’s cap-structured league is a rare feat, putting them in elite company with the likes of the Lightning and Penguins. The team’s identity—built on hard checking, smart puck movement, and timely scoring—proves that skill and structure can coexist and conquer.
Sam Bennett’s playoff run elevated him from a solid contributor to a postseason hero. Scoring at a point-per-game pace with 15 goals, he claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy and likely played his way into a big offseason payday. The same goes for Brad Marchand, whose veteran leadership and clutch moments were vital in Game 2 and Game 6.
On the flip side, Edmonton finds itself at a familiar crossroads. The Oilers were good enough to reach the Final but not good enough to win it. McDavid’s future, while still committed short-term, remains a looming question if championship success doesn’t arrive soon.
Stuart Skinner’s inconsistency in net was a key weakness. While he had strong stretches during the postseason, he failed to match the reliability of Bobrovsky when it mattered most. That gap in goaltending was ultimately one of the deciding factors in the series outcome.
The 2025 Stanley Cup Final was a defining moment for both franchises—Florida as a powerhouse and Edmonton as a team still searching for its breakthrough.
“Dynasties aren’t born—they’re built on pain, grit, and timing.” — This perfectly captures the Panthers’ journey to back-to-back Stanley Cups in the toughest era to do it.
