Connor McDavid could emulate Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby in Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final rematch vs Panthers

Connor McDavid reached the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, once again facing the same opponent—the Florida Panthers. The Edmonton Oilers star is on the verge of joining legends like Wayne Gretzky and Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby.

Losing a final can be painful, but in McDavid’s case, the loss to the Panthers in 2024 could be seen as a reason to believe that redemption is within reach. Both Gretzky and Crosby played in back-to-back finals and are prime examples of bouncing back.

McDavid has been outstanding throughout the playoffs, becoming just the fourth player in NHL history to record 20 or more points in four consecutive postseasons. The Oilers have also shown clear dominance over their opponents. Beyond the on-ice performance, there are good reasons to believe a win over Florida is possible—both Gretzky and Crosby won their first Stanley Cup in their second attempt, in a rematch after losing the first time.

Wayne Gretzky’s first Stanley Cup final win

Wayne Gretzky lost in his first Stanley Cup Final in 1983 against the dominant New York Islanders, who were in the midst of a dynasty. However, the following year, in 1984, “The Great One” led the Oilers to a 4-1 series victory over the same Islanders, securing his first championship.

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates in warm-ups prior to the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic against the Calgary Flames at Commonwealth Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In that playoff run, Gretzky scored 35 points (13 goals and 22 assists) in 19 games, cementing his status as the league’s top star and kicking off a period of dominance with Edmonton, which would win four titles in five years.

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NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk puts Connor McDavid’s Oilers, Mikko Rantanen’s Stars on notice as Panthers return to Stanley Cup Final

Sidney Crosby’s first Stanley Cup final win

Crosby also fell short in his first attempt to win the Cup when his Pittsburgh Penguins lost in six games to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 Final. But in 2009, once again facing the Red Wings, Crosby led the Penguins to a historic rematch victory, winning the title in seven games. Despite suffering an injury in Game 7, Crosby became the youngest captain to hoist the Stanley Cup since 1895, at just 21 years old.