In a thrilling rematch of last year’s seven-game Stanley Cup Finals, the Florida Panthers left no doubt about who reigns supreme in hockey. The Panthers dispatched the Edmonton Oilers in six games to successfully defend their title, showcasing dominance with multiple blowout wins and a pivotal overtime victory in Game 2. Florida’s championship run was fueled by a balanced attack and standout performances from goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, newly acquired left winger Brad Marchand, and forward Sam Bennett.
Sam Reinhart delivered a historic closeout performance, netting four goals in Game 6 to seal the Panthers’ second straight title. With contributions up and down the roster, the Panthers once again proved why they are the most complete team in the league. Here’s a breakdown of how Florida asserted its dominance to become back-to-back champions.
A Rare Blend of Depth and Star Power
Led by veteran head coach Paul Maurice, the Panthers overwhelmed the Oilers in every facet of the game. Sam Bennett, who earned Conn Smythe honors as playoff MVP, scored five goals in the Finals—bringing his postseason total to 15, including an astonishing 13 on the road. Brad Marchand, acquired in a shocking midseason trade from the Bruins, delivered on the big stage with several highlight-reel goals, including an overtime winner and multiple two-goal efforts. Reinhart led all scorers in the series with seven goals, punctuated by his four-goal outburst in the deciding Game 6.
Photo Cred: The Boston Globe (Brad Marchand)
But Florida’s success wasn’t limited to its stars. The team’s incredible depth meant that any line and any player—forward or defenseman—could step up. Seth Jones, one of the NHL’s premier blue-liners, notched a goal and an assist in Game 2, while Dmitry Kulikov added a score of his own. Marchand scored both shorthanded and in overtime that night, showing his versatility. Game 3 saw a dominant 6-1 Panthers victory, with six different players—Evan Rodrigues, Aaron Ekblad, Carter Verhaeghe, Marchand, Bennett, and Reinhart—finding the back of the net.
Captain Matthew Tkachuk, battling through a significant injury, broke out in Game 4 with two goals and an assist. Anton Lundell added a tally, and Reinhart chipped in with two assists and a goal, though Edmonton managed a dramatic comeback to win in overtime and even the series at two games apiece. However, Florida responded emphatically. In Game 5, Marchand scored another pair of goals, Eetu Luostarinen added a goal and assist, and Bennett struck again to give Florida the series lead. Reinhart then delivered the knockout punch with four goals in Game 6, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Connor McDavid Struggled, Not Much Around Big Three
On the other side, the Oilers were unable to match Florida’s firepower or depth. Superstar Connor McDavid, renowned for his dazzling speed and scoring ability, had a surprisingly quiet Finals, scoring just one goal. While he notched five assists in the first two games, McDavid was largely neutralized the rest of the way—thanks in large part to Florida’s relentless defense. He finished the playoffs with 7 goals and 26 assists, but in the Cup Final, he never took over as expected of a generational talent.
Photo Cred: Athlon Sports (Connor McDavid)
Leon Draisaitl led Edmonton in goals during the series with four, while veteran Corey Perry chipped in three, including a crucial goal to force overtime in Game 2. Despite matching McDavid’s 33 postseason points, Draisaitl’s production skewed toward assists as well. Perry was Edmonton’s most aggressive goal-scorer with 10 goals overall, but the Oilers needed more from the supporting cast.
The Panthers exposed Edmonton’s lack of secondary scoring. Outside of their top three, the Oilers got minimal offensive output. Occasional contributions from Victor Arvidsson, Kasperi Kapanen, Mattias Ekholm, Evan Bouchard, and Evander Kane weren’t enough to change the tide. No player outside the top line scored more than once in the Finals. Florida capitalized, forcing a combined -14 plus-minus rating on McDavid and Draisaitl, a stark contrast from their +21 rating earlier in the playoffs. The Panthers outscored Edmonton by 14 goals with the star duo on the ice—a stunning stat that underscores the Panthers’ ability to dominate even the league’s elite.
In the end, Florida’s balanced attack, physical defense, and clutch goaltending proved too much for a top-heavy Oilers team. With contributions from all four lines and a masterclass from Coach Paul Maurice behind the bench, the Panthers completed one of the most impressive repeat championship runs in recent NHL history. For Edmonton, the road to the Cup continues to run through Florida. Unless they can build a more complete roster behind McDavid and Draisaitl, the same shortcomings may continue to haunt them.
