NHL

NHL News: Connor McDavid of the Oilers issues a clear warning to Matthew Tkachuk’s Panthers

Connor McDavid was clear about his desire to defeat the Florida Panthers in a highly anticipated rematch for the Edmonton Oilers star.

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.
© Derek Leung/Getty ImagesConnor 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.

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers advanced to the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year after defeating the Dallas Stars 42-1 in the series. The Canadian franchise will be looking for redemption against the Florida Panthers of the star Matthew Tkachuk and showed remarkable strength in the Western Conference Final.

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McDavid will have the chance to lead the Oilers to a Stanley Cup title after the team bounced back with four straight wins against the Stars following a loss in Game 1. It’s clear there’s a winning formula in Edmonton.

Pressure doesn’t seem to be affecting the Oilers, who, judging by McDavid’s remarks, appear comfortable reaching another championship series. Up next are the Panthers, led by Matthew Tkachuk, a team making its third straight Final appearance. The pregame words hint at an unforgettable showdown.

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McDavid’s warning for Tkachuk’s Panthers

“We’ve prepared to be in this position for a long time. These are more normal positions for us now. The moment doesn’t feel big. It doesn’t feel anything other than a hockey game,” McDavid said, via The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman.

Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts during a 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings in Game Two of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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“That allows you to make your play,” added McDavid. Context is everything for the Oilers. McDavid is once again putting up outstanding numbers this postseason and showing full confidence. He’s now the fourth player in NHL history to record 20 or more points in four consecutive playoff runs, joining legends Sergei Fedorov, Bryan Trottier, and Mike Bossy.

When does the 2025 Stanley Cup Final start? Panthers waiting for Oilers or Stars

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When is the Stanley Cup Final?

With the matchup now set, here is the schedule for the Stanley Cup Final between Tkachuk’s Panthers and McDavid’s Oilers:

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  • Game 1: Panthers at Oilers, Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 2: Panthers at Oilers, Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 3: Oilers at Panthers, Monday, June 9, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 4: Oilers at Panthers, Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 5*: Panthers at Oilers, Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 6*: Oilers at Panthers, Tuesday, June 17, 8 p.m. ET
  • Game 7*: Panthers at Oilers, Friday, June 20, 8 p.m. ET

*If necessary.

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