The Florida Panthers are entering Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers with a chance to close out the 2024-25 NHL season. Most importantly, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aleksander-barkov">Aleksander Barkov</a> faces a shot at hoisting his second Cup in as many years. Thus, he sent a clear message for Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, and the rest of the team to listen carefully to.



The Stanley Cup Final between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> and Oilers has been a grueling series, so far. After five games, Barkov and the Cats are hoping to close it out with a victory at Amerant Bank Arena in Game 6. However, that is way easier said than done.



The Panthers cannot help but feel déjà vu with last year’s Final. Though it’s a Game 6 this time around, the Cats are playing at home against the Oilers with a chance to be crowned the best team in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>. Not only that, but they are closer than ever from <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back Stanley Cups</a>.



The Stanley Cup will be in the building with only two possible destinations: it will either fly to Edmonton for a potential Game 7, or embark on an all-night journey through the streets of Fort Lauderdale. Most likely, it’ll end up at the Elbo Room under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Matthew Tkachuk</a>’s supervision—before taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250616_BUS_419897_Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-1024x576_85a9cd5c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers heads out for the game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 24, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida." class="wp-image-405842" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/27114703/Brad-Marchand-63-of-the-Florida-Panthers-heads-out-for-the-game-against-the-Carolina-Hurricanes-in.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers heads out for the game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 24, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



However, for that to happen, the Panthers must take care of business. Barkov made sure to remind Tkachuk, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Marchand</a>, and the rest of the team of that with a brief statement.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/matthew-tkachuk-voices-bold-order-to-brad-marchand-panthers-ahead-of-potential-stanley-cup-clinching-game-6-vs-oilers"></div>


“The most important thing is stick with your game,” Barkov stated during his media availability on Monday. “You don’t need to change anything. You just need to be as good as possible. That’s been our mindset the whole playoffs.”



<h2>Hungry for more</h2>



The Panthers cannot stress enough just how difficult the last win of any series is. Everybody on the team has preached that message throughout the entire postseason, and it won’t be no different this time around.



To top it off, the Cats now stand in front of McDavid and the Oilers, who are starving to add on to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/edmonton-oilers-stanley-cup-victories">franchise’s five Stanley Cups</a>. However, Tkachuk has little worries on that regard: the Panthers want the Cup just as much—if not more.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250616_BUS_419897_Matthew-Tkachuk-3-1024x576_d8ea198f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Matthew Tkachuk" class="wp-image-412671" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/06092701/Matthew-Tkachuk-3.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers speaks during Media Day prior to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 03, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta.</figcaption></figure>



“It’s going to be a tough test. [McDavid’s] desperate to win a Cup. So are we,” Tkachuk told media during his press conference on Monday. “We’ve gone through so many ups-and-downs. It’s been a grueling year. We worked so hard for this. So has him and the rest of the Oilers.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit"></div>


<h2>No tomorrow</h2>



While the Panthers have a slight margin for error as they hold a 3-2 series lead, they cannot be bothered to fly back to Alberta. In order to avoid a winner-takes-all Game 7 in enemy territory, Tkachuk has a simple solution.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6850a5329a59e2e0ea8f728e" data-title="On a scale of 1-5, what grade would you give to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final? (With 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest)" data-options="5"></div>


“We have to treat this like a Game 7,” Tkachuk said about the upcoming Game 6 at Amerant Bank Arena, per Jameson Olive. That’s the message within the Panthers. They are walking through the front door determined to deliver the knockout punch and wrap up the 2024-25 NHL season.

Aleksander Barkov issues crucial reminder to Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, Panthers about Game 6 vs Oilers

Matthew Tkachuk fires warning shot at Connor McDavid about Stanley Cup Final between Panthers and Oilers

NHL News: Brad Marchand makes sincere confession after stellar performance places Panthers one win away from Stanley Cup

Aleksander Barkov issues crucial reminder to Matthew Tkachuk, Brad Marchand, Panthers about Game 6 vs Oilers - Bolavip US

Barkov issues crucial reminder to Tkachuk, Marchand, Panthers about Game 6 vs Oilers

miniaturas

The Florida Panthers arguably saved their best performance of the NHL season for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. They belittled the Edmonton Oilers, routing the away team on every inch of the ice. It reflected on the scoreboard as the Cats won by a score of 6-1. After the game, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aleksander-barkov">Aleksander Barkov</a> made his thoughts on the game clear with a stark four-word comment. While some may be taken aback, it was exactly what Matthew Tkachuk, Paul Maurice, and the rest of the squad expected to hear from their captain.



Upon returning to their home ice at Amerant Bank Arena, Barkov and the Panthers treated fans to a spectacular showing. The Cats blew the Oilers out of the water, dominating on every aspect of the game. They were far more physical, faster, more disciplined, and—most importantly—they didn’t hesitate whenever they stood in front of the opposing net. 



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-maurice">Maurice</a>’s Florida never let up on the gas pedal. The Cats are known throughout the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> for their merciless style of play. If their opponent hits the ground, they won’t hold back. In case they had forgotten after <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/florida-panthers-stanley-cup-pursuit">last year’s Final loss to the Panthers</a>, the Oilers were reminded of it in Game 3. Edmonton responded with vicious, ill-intended hits, but Florida stayed its course.



Barkov and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Tkachuk</a>‘s Panthers clearly got under the Oilers’ skin in Game 3. If that trend continues in the upcoming battles, it could spell bad news for Edmonton. However, Florida isn’t getting too far ahead. Barkov made sure to share that sentiment with a straight-to-the-point comment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250610_BUS_415544_paul-maurice-1024x576_ee90dba5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers arrives before playing the Edmonton Oilers in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida." class="wp-image-415582" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/10114905/paul-maurice.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers arrives before playing the Edmonton Oilers in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. </figcaption></figure>



“We were good today,” Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov reflected after the 6-1 victory in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, per NHL.com.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/kris-knoblauchs-sharp-remark-underscores-nhl-officiating-controversy-amid-panthers-win"></div>


<h2>The upper-hand</h2>



The Panthers may be up by just one game in the series, but they hold a much larger lead when it comes to mental edge and momentum. Florida has Edmonton right where it wants them. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a> are rattled, the Cats are buzzing, and these bloodhound-like Panthers are ready to pounce.



“We played super well and super disciplined, just like a veteran, older team who’s been here,” Matthew Tkachuk said. “This is our third time at it. We know it’s a series, and we’ve got to stick up for each other, but got to be smart too. I thought it was great that guys were sticking up for each other, and at the end of the day, it’s just a big win and just one game.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250610_BUS_415544_Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-1024x576_7a5c6258.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers reacts during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 22, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina" class="wp-image-404652" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/25090321/Matthew-Tkachuk-19-of-the-Florida-Panthers-reacts-during-the-first-period-against-the-Carolina-Hurr.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers reacts during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 22, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>It can get ugly</h2>



The Panthers’ Game 3 triumph was a statement performance, in more ways than one. They ran the Oilers out of town. Edmonton was outplayed and outworked, like they’d never been before in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the game out of reach, the Oilers intended to send a message by adding fuel to the fire. Little did they know the Panthers had lured them into their terrain.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/seth-jones-issues-strong-reminder-to-brad-marchand-panthers-about-connor-mcdavid-led-oilers-power-play"></div>


“If you have to take a punch in the face, take a punch in the face,” Tkachuk commented about the mentality inside the Panthers’ locker room.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="684854979a59e2e0ea8f70c6" data-title="Who is most to blame for the Oilers collapsing in Game 3?" data-options="4"></div>


Perhaps such a dismaying collapse was exactly what the Oilers needed to wake up. But it could also signal the beginning of the end. They look dizzy and unsteady on their feet. While Tkachuk, Barkov, and the Panthers aim to deliver a knockout punch and take a 3-1 series lead.

Aleksander Barkov delivers sincere 4-word statement to Matthew Tkachuk, Paul Maurice after Panthers blow out Oilers in Game 3

Connor McDavid’s honest admission after Oilers’ costly Game 3 loss to Panthers in Stanley Cup Final

NHL News: Stuart Skinner reveals what went wrong in Oilers’ Stanley Cup Finals Game 3 loss to Panthers

Aleksander Barkov delivers sincere 4-word statement to Matthew Tkachuk, Paul Maurice after Panthers blow out Oilers in Game 3 - Bolavip US

Barkov sends sincere 4-word message to Tkachuk, Maurice after Panthers blowout win vs Oilers

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a> and the Edmonton Oilers had the first laugh in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, scoring three unanswered goals to erase a 3-1 deficit and secure a 4-3 overtime victory. Riding a wave of momentum, McDavid added insult to injury with a bold comment about teammate Leon Draisaitl—seemingly taking a shot at Aleksander Barkov in the process.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Oilers</a> and Panthers didn’t disappoint with their first meeting of the NHL Stanley Cup Final. The action at Rogers Place was packed with goals, saves, thunderous hits, and constant chirps between the players.



After winning the Frank J. Selke Trophy for the third time in his NHL career, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aleksander-barkov">Barkov</a> had a disappointing night during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, looking almost unrecognizable with his self from earlier in the playoffs.



Neither Barkov nor the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> had any answers for Draisaitl during the opening game of the series, as the German star found the back of the net twice, including the game-winning goal in overtime. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250605_BUS_411928_connor-mcdavid-2-1-1024x576_86af654e.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="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. " class="wp-image-411964" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05141231/connor-mcdavid-2-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>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. </figcaption></figure>



Draisaitl is unstoppable on offense, but the defensive side of his game is not to be understated, either. On that note, McDavid added insult to injury with a bold statement about his duo, taking a subtle shot at Barkov, dubbed the best defensive forward in the league.


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/connor-mcdavid-will-take-oilers-to-stanley-cup-glory-only-if-stuart-skinner-and-company-step-up-to-panthers-level"></div>


“[Draisaitl’s] invaluable. There’s so many good things. You name it, he does it,” Connor McDavid said about his best teammate, per Greg Wyshynski. “He doesn’t get enough respect or credit for his defensive abilities. There’s not many better. Maybe nobody better.”



<h2>Simple as that</h2>



As soon as Tomas Nosek sent the puck puck sailing over the glass from his own zone with less than two minutes left in overtime, Game 1 felt all but decided. There wasn’t many doubts that McDavid, Draisaitl, and company would cash in on the man-advantage and take the 1-0 series lead. 



“Especially on the power play you’re looking to finish it,” Draisaitl admitted, via NHL.com. “Some incredible plays that made it pretty easy for me to put that home. It’s a special feeling. It’s great for right now, but we’ve got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250605_BUS_411928_leon-draisaitl-1024x576_23134dee.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to a game against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. " class="wp-image-411976" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/05143244/leon-draisaitl.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Leon Draisaitl #29 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to a game against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Outplayed</h2>



The Panthers simply couldn’t keep up with the McDavid-Draisaitl duo during the opening game of the series. McDavid extended his point streak to six games, while Draisaitl has now recorded a point in his last seven games. In the blink of an eye, Florida learned why the two stars in Edmonton lead the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> in points. If the Cats don’t come up with a plan to neutralize them, their chances will only slimmer even further.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/edmonton-oilers-vs-florida-panthers-poll-choose-the-best-player-by-position-ahead-of-2025-stanley-cup-final"></div>


Draisaitl had been the talk of the town last season after going goalless through the seven-game Final series against the Panthers. He clearly grew sick and tired of the noise, silencing the critics with a pivotal brace that guided the Oilers to victory.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6841e37f9a59e2e0ea8f6f8a" data-title="Who is more deserving of the Conn Smythe Trophy so far?" data-options="2"></div>


It was a clear demonstration of strength from the Oilers duo—they showed the Panthers their fangs, and it was enough to win. McDavid assisted twice but didn’t score, which only raises more concerns for the Cats. If they struggled this much when McDavid didn’t even find the back of the net, what will happen when he finally does?

Oilers captain Connor McDavid fires subtle shot at Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov with bold statement about Leon Draisaitl

NHL News: Connor McDavid reveals why Oilers beat Matthew Tkachuk’s Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final

NHL News: Panthers’ Paul Maurice shares message of perspective after Tomas Nosek’s OT penalty vs Oilers

Oilers captain Connor McDavid fires subtle shot at Panthers' Aleksander Barkov with bold statement about Leon Draisaitl - Bolavip US

Oilers' McDavid fires subtle shot at Panthers' Barkov with bold statement about Draisaitl

The Florida Panthers have become synonymous with success in the NHL recently, reaching three straight Stanley Cup Finals. However, not everybody who’s been on the organization has enjoyed such highs. On that note, a former teammate of Matthew Tkachuk, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aleksander-barkov">Aleksander Barkov</a>, and most of the players currently on Florida’s team has decided to step away from the league.



Barkov, Tkachuk, and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> are fully focused on the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, yet they must have been taken aback by the decision of a former teammate to leave the NHL.



Chris Driedger, the former Panthers goaltender has made a shocking decision to join the Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia. There, he’ll hope to blossom into a bona fide starting goaltender, a role he never managed to find in his NHL career.



<h2>Background</h2>



Driedger entered the league as the 76th overall selection in the 2012 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> entry Draft, being selected by the Ottawa Senators. He joined Barkov and the Panthers for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns, where he took on the backup role behind Sergei Bobrovsky. 


 

 

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/gustav-forsling-drops-bold-4-word-wake-up-call-to-brad-marchand-matthew-tkachuk-panthers-ahead-of-stanley-cup-final-vs-oilers"></div>


He stayed in Sunrise until the Expansion Draft in 2021, when the Panthers left him unprotected and the Seattle Kraken decided to take him to the Emerald City. However, he was the backup, once again, this time behind Philipp Grubauer. His career has been marked by constant call-ups and sent-down between the NHL and AHL. 


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="683dbf0c9a59e2e0ea8f6e57" data-title="Do you believe Driedger can return to the NHL after a successful stint in the KHL?" data-options="3"></div>


Driedger’s last NHL appearance came during the 2023–24 campaign. Since then, he was traded back to Florida, where he reunited with Barkov and met <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Tkachuk</a>, but was later sent to his hometown of Winnipeg to join the Jets—though he never made it past their AHL affiliate. Now, ahead of the 2025–26 season, Driedger has decided to skip town and pursue new horizons in Russia.

Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk’s former Panthers teammate surprisingly leaves NHL

Matthew Tkachuk’s Stanley Cup Final prophecy comes true in Panthers-Oilers rematch

NHL News: Matthew Tkachuk makes strong admission about Panthers and Connor McDavid’s Oilers

Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk's former Panthers teammate surprisingly leaves NHL - Bolavip US

Latest news from Aleksander Barkov. Find out about all the news related to Aleksander Barkov on bolavip.com/en

Aleksander Barkov | Today news | Page 2

Aleksander Barkov - Page 2