The Stanley Cup Final returns with a narrative steeped in revenge, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of glory. On Wednesday 4 June, the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers clash in a rematch of last year’s thrilling seven-game finale, reigniting one of the most gripping modern rivalries in hockey.
This year’s showdown carries the added weight of unfinished business for Edmonton. The Oilers fell agonisingly short in 2024, and the image of Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk lifting the Cup still lingers like a ghost in their dressing room. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in unstoppable form and momentum from a dominant series win over Dallas, the Oilers will look to reverse the script.
Florida, meanwhile, are no longer just the team that shocked the league. With experience, consistency, and perhaps the most well-rounded squad in the playoffs, they arrive in Edmonton aiming to silence the crowd and defend their crown.
Let’s break down this blockbuster Game 1 matchup.
Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers
Match Info
- Stanley Cup Final – Game 1
- Wednesday 04 June 2025 – 20:00 EST / 01:00 BST (05 June)
- Rogers Place, Edmonton, Canada
Florida Panthers
The Panthers enter their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final brimming with poise and power. They’ve mastered the art of post-season resilience, especially on the road, where their 8-2 playoff record speaks volumes. Led by captain Aleksander Barkov — a dual threat on both ends of the ice and fresh off collecting his third Selke Trophy — Florida combines elite defensive discipline with opportunistic offence. Their ability to shut down high-powered attacks and capitalise on mistakes remains their most dangerous weapon. Backstopped by Sergei Bobrovsky, who’s delivered a shutout in every playoff round so far, the Panthers will look to set the tone early and frustrate Edmonton’s offensive engines.
Edmonton Oilers
This is McDavid’s moment. The Oilers are back on the NHL’s grandest stage, fuelled by the haunting memory of last season’s heartbreak. Edmonton cruised through the Western Conference, dispatching the Dallas Stars in five games thanks in large part to McDavid’s dazzling 26-point post-season tally. Leon Draisaitl continues to dominate in tandem, but the Oilers’ title hopes hinge on goaltender Stuart Skinner matching Florida’s clinical edge between the pipes. Edmonton’s high-octane offence is undeniable — but to finally hoist the Cup, they’ll need structure, discipline, and composure in the face of Florida’s methodical control.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Edmonton Oilers to win
Edmonton’s burning motivation, combined with home-ice advantage and offensive firepower, gives them the upper hand in Game 1. Their key stars are producing at elite levels, and the bitter taste of last year’s loss could ignite an explosive start to the series.
America Bet Score Prediction
Florida Panthers 2 – 4 Edmonton Oilers
Expect the Panthers to stay competitive throughout, but the Oilers’ top line should tilt the game with their speed and scoring touch, especially if they strike early and force Florida to chase.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Edmonton Oilers to win
- Connor McDavid to score anytime
- Leon Draisaitl to record over 1.5 points
- Sergei Bobrovsky over 29.5 saves
- Total goals over 5.5
- Oilers to score first
- Oilers to win by 2+ goals (handicap -1.5)
- Both teams to score in the first period
- Edmonton Oilers over 3.5 total goals
- Game to go to overtime – No
