The 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers has been one of the most evenly matched and exciting series in recent memory. Ahead of Game 5, Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand, who is playing in his fourth career Stanley Cup Final, issued a revealing admission about the intensity of the series.
Acquired by the Panthers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, Marchand acknowledged the remarkable level of competition, reflecting on how close the teams have been throughout the series. The battles on the ice have been back and forth, with both teams bringing high levels of talent and intensity, making it a spectacle for fans and a real fight for the Cup.
“This has been a pretty incredible one,” Marchand said ahead of Game 5, as reported by Florida Hockey Now. “I think this is one of the tightest series anyone will ever see. Just the talent level and how close these two teams are, how back and forth the games have been, it’s been very exciting.” Marchand’s admission underscores the exceptional competitiveness of the series, emphasizing how closely matched the Panthers and Oilers are in what he calls one of the tightest series ever.
Marchand, now playing in his first Stanley Cup Final with the Panthers, understands the magnitude of the matchup. Having already won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011, Marchand knows firsthand how difficult it is to be the last team standing, even if he has suffered losses in his next two appearances.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers reacts after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Marchand’s insight on the challenges of winning the cup
Playing in multiple Stanley Cup Finals has given Marchand a deep understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that come with competing for hockey’s most coveted prize. “A little nerve-wracking at times, but we’re all big fans of the game. To have these two teams playing each other and playing the way they are and games playing out the way that they have, it makes you realize why you love the game so much,” he said.
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“But also why this trophy is the hardest to win,” he continued. “I mean, when you see the way these things play out, it’s why it’s so special to be part of these opportunities. You never know what’s going to happen.”
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Game 5 preview
The Panthers and Oilers will face off in Game 5 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final shortly after 8:00 p.m. ET at Rogers Place. As the series heads into a crucial stage, both teams are looking to take a commanding lead in the battle for the championship, with Marchand and the Panthers hoping to continue their strong performance.
