The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will face off once again in the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final after advancing through the previous rounds. Matthew Tkachuk is the star aiming for back-to-back championships after winning last season’s seven-game series. Connor McDavid, on the other hand, is looking for redemption.
It’s clear that these two teams have been the most consistent performers so far. In the postseason, the Panthers cruised past the Tampa Bay Lightning, showcased their strength with a comeback win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, and went on to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes in the Conference Final.
As for the Oilers, their path included victories over the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars in the earlier rounds. 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 veteran Tkachuk had something to say ahead of this highly anticipated Final.
Tkachuk’s bold admission ahead of Stanley Cup Final vs Oilers
“12–2 is incredible in the regular season—it’s almost unheard of in the playoffs. They’re playing the best hockey of the year so far for them,” Tkachuk admitted in an interview on The Pat McAfee Show, speaking about the Oilers ahead of the Stanley Cup Final rematch.
Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers yells at a Carolina Hurricanes player in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at FLA Live Arena on May 22, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.
“I think that it’s the two best teams in the league, and, to be honest, I think it’s pretty clear that we’re the two best. It’s going to make for an incredible final. Not very often do you see a rematch in pro sports in the finals,” Tkachuk said.
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NHL News: Connor McDavid of the Oilers issues a clear warning to Matthew Tkachuk’s Panthers
“We’ve got our hands full, but the other 30 teams should probably take notice. If you want to win in this league right now, you’ve got to go through us or Edmonton,” Tkachuk reflected on the dominance of the Oilers and Panthers over the past two seasons compared to the rest of the league.
