The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are starring in an electric Stanley Cup Final showdown. Just two games into the Final, Edmonton and Florida have treated fans to a potentially legendary battle. The Cats—like every NHL team before them—are struggling to keep up with Connor McDavid and the Oilers’ power play, prompting defenseman Seth Jones to voice a firm message to Brad Marchand and the rest of his teammates.
To no one’s surprise, the Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Oilers and Panthers has been as evenly-matched as promoted. So far, every game has been decided in sudden-death overtime. Edmonton and Florida split the opening games at Rogers Place, as the series shifts to Sunrise. The last time the two teams met at Amerant Bank Arena in a playoff game, the Panthers hoisted their first Cup in franchise history.
It’s certainly a fond memory for the Panthers to look back on for inspiration. However, neither Jones nor Marchand were part of the championship picture last NHL season. Instead, they’re aiming to write their own chapter in Florida. They arrived late in the season with one goal in mind—one they are now just three wins away from achieving.
In order to win the Cup, however, they must neutralize the Oilers’ power play, which continues to torment the Panthers. Although Edmonton’s power play percentage hasn’t been out of this world so far in the series, it definitely stresses Florida. As well as it accelerates its players’ fatigue, which eventually comes back to bite the Panthers.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers leaves the ice following a win against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It’s safe to say, it’s in Jones and the Panthers’ best interests to limit the amount of penalties going forward, as keeping McDavid and company in check is way harder when there’s open ice to exploit. Florida’s newest blueliner made sure to remind Marchand and the rest of the team of that.
see also
Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly have preferred option between Panthers’ Marchand and Bennett as Marner replacement
“I think the best penalty kill for us is to not take penalties,” Panthers defenseman Seth Jones admitted during his media availability after Monday’s morning skate.
Shooting themselves in the foot
Of course, it takes two to tango, and while Jones and the Cats may talk about limiting the penalties, it’s up to the officials to let certain plays slide—or not. In that regard, the Panthers have gotten the short end of the stick so far in the Stanley Cup Final.
After the first two games, Edmonton leads in power play opportunities, being on the man-advantage 10 times, while Florida has had 6 chances. However, the Panthers have been more efficient, scoring in 33.3% of their power play opportunities.
Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the first period against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Not waiting for the other shoe to drop
The Oilers—despite boasting McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and others on their PP1 unit—have operated at a 20% success rate in the Stanley Cup Final. Still, the Panthers aren’t eager to poke the bear and test their luck. McDavid and Edmonton’s power play can catch fire at any moment—and that could very well be all she wrote for the Cats.
see also
Edmonton Oilers: A legacy of Stanley Cup victories
“They scored a couple, but I think we can do something better,” defenseman Niko Mikkola stated, per NHL.com. “Not taking too many penalties. Last game, we took too many. We need to stay out of the penalty box. Just do what we do. Pressure hard and be aware of the big guys.”
SurveyWho deserves to win the Conn Smythe Trophy?
Who deserves to win the Conn Smythe Trophy?
already voted 0 people
Game 3 is expected to follow the pattern of the previous matchups, with both teams trading blows in a fierce contest. In the end, only one will emerge victorious—but rest assured, both will be back on their feet and ready to go again in Game 4.
