The Florida Panthers have punched their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, but their opponent remains a mystery. Edmonton’s fiery offense and Dallas’ stifling defense battle to decide who will clash with the Cats for hockey’s ultimate prize.
Tensions mount as the Western Conference Final barrels ahead, with every shift and save pushing one team closer to destiny. Will the Oilers’ dynamic stars surge through, or can the Stars’ steadiness freeze out their hopes?
One thing is certain: the Stanley Cup Final is set to deliver electric showdowns, heartbreaks and unforgettable moments. All that’s left is the final piece of the puzzle to be revealed — and only one will lift the trophy.
When will the 2025 Stanley Cup Final kick off?
The Florida Panthers, the team led by captain Aleksander Barkov, have clinched their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final berth, following a 5–3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Their opponent remains undecided, as the Edmonton Oilers lead the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars 3–1, with Game 5 scheduled for May 29 at 8 p.m. ET in Dallas.
Carter Verhaeghe celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The start date for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final hinges on the conclusion of the Western Conference Finals. According to Elliotte Friedman, if the Oilers beat the Stars in Game 5, the Stanley Cup Final will start on June 4. If the Stars win, the championship series won’t start until June 7.
The NHL has indicated that the full schedule will be announced once both conference finals conclude, with the latest possible date for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final being June 23.
This potential rematch between the Panthers and Oilers would mark the first back-to-back Stanley Cup Final pairing since the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins faced off in 2008 and 2009.
Fans eagerly await the outcome of the Western Conference Finals to see if history will repeat itself or if the Dallas Stars will challenge the Panthers for the championship.
