Oilers vs. Panthers: Breaking Down Game One Trends Ahead of 2025 Stanley Cup Finals
Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final starts Wednesday, as multiple players look to extend Game One scoring streaks
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The 2025 Stanley Cup Final begins Wednesday between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, a rematch of last year's opener, in which the Cats edged out a 3–0 victory on their way to their franchise's first Stanley Cup. In their last seven series-opening games, the Panthers are 5–2 while the Oilers are 3–4 over the same span.
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It's shaping up to be a tightly contested opener, with everything on the line. The Panthers will aim to strike first once again, while the Oilers are focused on redemption and starting this year's Final on a stronger note than last season.
History favors a fast start as teams that win Game One of the Stanley Cup Final have captured the series 64 out of 84 times, a success rate of roughly 76.2 per cent. When that opening win comes on home ice, the odds jump even higher to 51 out of 61, or about 83.6 per cent.
When considering bets for game of the series, here's how the key players have performed in recent Game Ones over the last two postseasons:
All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.
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More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic Rematch
Barkov's Steady Setup Game
Aleksander Barkov has made a habit of quietly creating in Game Ones. He's totaled eight assists in his last seven series openers—three this postseason and five last year. While not flashy, his playmaking has been a steady launching point for Florida's early-series momentum.
Game One Pick: Barkov Over 0.5 assists (-110)
Bennett Arrives Early
Sam Bennett is a Game One sniper. The physical forward has goals in three straight series openers and has lit the lamp in four of Florida's last five. With four goals and two assists over those five contests, Bennett has become a reliable first-strike threat for the Panthers.
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Game One Pick: Bennett anytime goal (+280)
Tkachuk Still Strong
Injured or not, Matthew Tkachuk finds a way to deliver when the series begins. He's notched five goals and five assists in his last seven Game Ones, including two goals and three assists across three opening games this postseason. His spark in Game One sets the emotional tone for Florida's roster.
Game One Pick: Tkachuk Over 0.5 assists (+100)
Luostarinen Lurks
Eetu Luostarinen may not headline the Panthers' attack, but he's been quietly lethal in Game Ones. He's scored in three of Florida's last four series openers, including the critical first tally in last year's Cup Final against Edmonton.
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Game One Pick: Luostarinen anytime goal (+650)
Verhaeghe Produces
Carter Verhaeghe is another consistent Game One contributor. He scored in last year's Cup Final opener and has four goals and five assists over his last seven series-opening games. This postseason, he's tallied one goal and four assists in three Game Ones, showcasing his knack for timely production.
Game One Pick: Verhaeghe Over 0.5 points (-120)
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McDavid Dishes
Connor McDavid isn't just fast—he's first-game fantastic. He's posted two goals and 14 assists over his last seven Game Ones, including a goal and seven helpers in three openers this postseason. Outside of last year's Cup Final shutout loss, he's recorded a point in every other series opener.
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Game One Pick: McDavid Over 1.5 points (-102)
Draisaitl Gets It Done
Leon Draisaitl has been Mr. Reliable in Game Ones. With a goal and an assist in each of his three openers this postseason, he brings five goals and seven assists in his last seven Game Ones. Only twice in that span has he been held without a goal to start a series.
Game One Pick: Draisaitl anytime goal (+115)
Nugent-Hopkins Quietly Contributes
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins brings quiet consistency to the Oilers' top six. He's posted two goals and five assists across his last seven series openers, including a goal and two assists this postseason. He's picked up points in five of those seven contests, making him a dependable early contributor.
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Game One Pick: Nugent-Hopkins Over 0.5 points (-158)
Bouchard Drives Surprising Offense From Blueline
Evan Bouchard's point-per-game production doesn't take a night off in Game Ones. The defenseman has 12 points in his last seven series-opening games, including a goal and five assists in three openers this year. His only miss? Last year's shutout loss to Florida—just like McDavid and Draisaitl.
Game One Pick: Bouchard Over 0.5 points (-154)
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Miami Herald
40 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Need a cheat sheet on the Florida Panthers? What to know if you don't know much
The Florida Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Final — and you're surrounded by hockey talk at work, school and home. But what if you aren't a big fan? Or haven't paid attention until this point? This cheat sheet tells you what to know about the Panthers as they go for a second straight Stanley Cup against the Edmonton Oilers: The basics ▪ This is the Super Bowl of professional hockey. Except the champion must win 4 of 7 games. ▪ Hockey has three periods of 20 minutes each. ▪ Just like with a soccer ball, a team scores when the puck lands in the net or behind the goalie line. ▪ There are penalties for fighting on the ice, but you may see some pounding anyway. How to sound like a hockey expert Conversation-starters for the party: ▪ This is just the fifth time in NHL history since 1967 that two teams will face off in the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive years. ▪ This is Florida's fourth trip to the Stanley Cup Final, and the third in a row. ▪ The Panthers finished third in the Atlantic Division, but made it to the Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2 and the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final. ▪ By the time the Stanley Cup Final ends, the Panthers will have played 312 to 315 games during the past three seasons, breaking the record of 309 games over a three-season span. ▪ Players relax on the road by hitting Dairy Queen. Good news for the team: There are dozens of the ice cream stands in Edmonton. Who are the top players? ▪ The face of the Panthers is Matthew Tkachuk (pronounced 'kuh-chuck,' the T is silent). Florida has made it to the Stanley Cup Final each of the three years he has been with the team. A spot on the USA's Olympic roster next winter. Other top players are Aleksander Barkov, goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and newly acquired Brad Marchand. What about the coach? Panthers coach Paul Maurice is worth watching and listening to. He dresses in the traditional suit, wears thick black-framed glasses and looks like an accountant. He also has a way with words and a dry wit. 'We've got a good team here,' he says. 'I'm just trying not to mess it up.' But beyond the polite words, he also has dropped some f-bombs to inspire his team. 'If I could've yelled louder or if I could've been [expletive] more profane than I was, I would've. ... I needed to channel my father, who's a gifted curser. That's all I had. I was honest. That's how I felt.' How can you watch the Panthers on TV? Florida Panthers vs. Edmontown Oilers: ▪ Game 1: Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Edmonton's Rogers Place ▪ Game 2: Friday, June 6, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Edmonton's Rogers Place ▪ Game 3: Monday, June 9, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Sunrise's Amerant Bank Arena ▪ Game 4: Thursday, June 12, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Sunrise's Amerant Bank Arena ▪ Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, June 14, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Edmonton's Rogers Place ▪ Game 6 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 17, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Sunrise's Amerant Bank Arena ▪ Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, June 20, 8 p.m., TNT, truTV, Max, Edmonton's Rogers Place Where are the official Panther watch parties? The official watch parties for the Stanley Cup Final are at Amerant Arena in Sunrise and and at the IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. What to know about the Panthers through the years The Florida Panthers began playing in the 1993 hockey season. Three years later, in 1996, they made the Stanley Cup Finals, losing to the Colorado Avalanche. The Cats played the first few years at the old Miami Arena in Overtown, sharing it with the Heat. The Panthers' current home, now known as Amerant Bank Arena, opened in 1998. Where do the Panthers play their home games? Amerant Bank Arena: ▪ Location: 1 Panther Pkway., next to Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise ▪ Opened: 1998 as National Car Rental Center and formerly known as FLA Live Arena. ▪ Capacity: 20,000 seats. Where do the Panthers practice? The Florida Panthers moved to a new practice facility in Fort Lauderdale in December 2023. They previously practiced in Coral Springs. The new Baptist Health IcePlex is at the revitalized War Memorial Auditorium near downtown Fort Lauderdale. FTL War Memorial has two sheets of ice for public use, 1,000 seats for fans to watch practices, retail space and an outdoor concert venue. There are also outdoor training spaces, a terrace with barbecues for players to grill, lounge areas. Players have 24-hour access to work out or get treatment. How do fans celebrate Florida Panthers? Rats: Fans have tossed rubber rats on the ice through the years. It all started with a real rat in the locker room and one of the Panther players stopping it with his stick. In 1995, player Scott Mellanby saw a rat in the locker room at the old Miami Arena before that night's game, and hit it into a wall with his stick. That was his warm-up for scoring two of the four goals that led the team to victory against Canada's Calgary Flames. Since then, fans throw plastic rats on the ice rink after goals to celebrate. And if you catch a game in the arena, there's a chance the unofficial-but-equally beloved rat mascot gives you a high five. Elbo Room: The watering hole on the Fort Lauderdale beachfront strip became Florida Panthers central last season after the team won the Stanley Cup. Celebrating players took the Cup to the beach and fans hit the Elbo Room to see the trophy. KNOW MORE: Why do Florida Panthers fans toss rats on the ice? Here's how it all started Get social with the Florida Panthers Instagram: @flapanthers Facebook: Florida Panthers X: @FlaPanthers Where to get official Panthers merchandise Florida Panthers fashion: Pantherland, the team store at the front of the Panthers Baptist Health Iceplex practice facility at Fort Lauderdale War Memorial, 800 NE Eighth St. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The team store at Amerant Arena is open duing watch parties every home game an hour before game time to 30 minutes after the game.
Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
Stanley Cup Finals live stream 2025: How to watch Panthers vs Oilers online for FREE
After treating us to the greatest Stanley Cup Finals series in living memory 12 months ago, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are running it back. It's the first Finals rematch since 2009, but unlike last year, the Oilers have home ice advantage. They have, however, lost three straight to the Panthers, the first of those being last year's Game 7 decider. You can watch Stanley Cup Finals live streams from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for free. The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals run from Wednesday, June 4 to at least Thursday, June 12.► Game 1 time: Wed, June 4 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. BST (Thu) / 10 a.m. AEST (Thu) • U.S. — TNT or TruTV via Sling TV• Canada — CBC or Sportsnet Plus• U.K. — Premier Sports• Australia — Kayo Sports (FREE TRIAL)• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free Connor McDavid has won every accolade this game has to offer — even the Conn Smythe Trophy as a member of the losing team — bar the Stanley Cup. Is 2025 the year all of his dream come true? He was Canada's match-winner in the 4 Nations Face-Off final in February, over the USA no less, and it's no surprise he's been the standout player of the postseason. All of the top three points scorers in the NHL playoffs are Edmonton players, with McDavid leading the way on 26, ahead of Leon Draisaitl on 25 and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on 18. It's Florida's Sam Bennett, however, who leads the goal-scoring charts, with 10 so far. The Panthers, who have had an extra day of rest, shot out to a 3-0 lead in last year's Stanley Cup Finals, and flew friends and family members to Rogers Place for Game 4. The Oilers so very nearly had the last laugh. They reeled off three extraordinary victories to send the series to a decider, which was ultimately settled by Sam Reinhart. Read on for how to watch a Stanley Cup Finals live stream between the Panthers and Oilers wherever you are and potentially for FREE. 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It's outstanding at unblocking streaming services, it's fast and it has top-level security features too. With over 7,000 servers, across 110+ countries, and at a great price too, it's easy to recommend. Get 70% off with this NordVPN deal Every game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals is being shown on both TNT and TruTV in the U.S.. Game 1 starts at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, June 4. If you don't have either of those channels on cable, try a cord-cutting TV service like Sling TV. It comes with two plans: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both start at $45.99, with an up-to half-price discount for your first month. Orange carries TNT, plus ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and TBS, while Blue includes both TNT and TruTV, plus ABC, FOX, NBC, USA, FS1 and FX. Sling offers live TV packages that let you watch live NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, F1, Wimbledon, French Open tennis and more, via the likes of ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TBS and TNT. For a limited time, you can get your first month half price. Sling is king here. But if you are considering other streaming options, choose wisely. Hulu+Live TV (3-day free trial) is a good choice as it carries TNT and TruTV, plus ABC, ESPN and ESPN2. DirecTV Stream (5-day free trial) is solid choice for TNT, plus ESPN, FS1 and NHL Network. Max will live stream games, and includes HBO shows such as "Paul American". We love Fubo but it isn't a good choice for the Stanley Cup Finals, as it doesn't carry TNT, TBS or TruTV. Every game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals is being shown on both Sportsnet and free-to-air CBC in Canada. Game 1 starts at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, June 4. Sadly, the Oilers vs Panthers series will not be available on CBC Gem or the CBC Gem apps, but can be seen only on CBC TV through over-the-air television, cable or satellite distribution. To stream the Stanley Cup Finals, you need Sportsnet Plus, which starts at CA$24.99/month or alternatively CA$199.99. If you're away from home and struggling to tap into your subscription, you could use a VPN to help you access a Stanley Cup Finals live stream from anywhere. We recommend NordVPN. The 2025 Stanley Cup Finals series is being shown on Premier Sports in the U.K., across Premier Sports 1 and 2. Game 1 starts at 1 a.m. BST on Thursday, June 5. A subscription costs £15.99 per month, but if you're willing to commit to a whole year upfront you'll pay £99 — working out at £8.25 per month. Premier Sports also holds the rights to Top 14 and United Rugby Championship rugby. If you're not in the U.K. right now, you can still follow your usual Stanley Cup Finals live stream by using NordVPN. Aussies will find Stanley Cup Finals coverage on ESPN via Foxtel. Game 1 starts at 10 a.m. AEST on Thursday, June 5. Specialist streaming service Kayo Sports (7-day FREE trial) is providing Stanley Cup Finals live streams, with its affordable, commitment-free plans starting from just $25/month, and hosting plenty of cricket, AFL, rugby, Formula 1 and loads of other live sports besides. Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch all the action on your Kayo account as if you were back home. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Stanley Cup: The storied, sometimes questionable and funny, history of one of sports' greatest trophies
(CNN) — It's one of the most recognizable trophies in sports, with a history dating back to the 19th century, so it's no surprise that the Stanley Cup has a story or two to tell. Named after Lord Stanley of Preston, a Canadian governor general who donated the first Cup back in 1892, the trophy is awarded to the NHL champions every year. It is, and always has been, the pinnacle of the sport and something players dedicate their entire lives to winning. With that being the case, it's perhaps predictable that those who manage to get their hands on the trophy are keen to celebrate, especially since it is tradition that every player of the winning squad gets to spend an entire day with the prized silverware. Problem is, that's left the poor old Stanley Cup in some unusual situations. CNN Sports looks at some of the most bizarre predicaments it's ended up in. Montreal Canadiens In almost cartoon-like fashion, the Montreal Canadiens left the trophy on the side of the road after winning it in 1924. The story goes that a car carrying some of the team had stalled going up a hill, meaning players had to get out to push. It wasn't until they reached the top that they realized they had left one of the most famous trophies in the world behind! Prized possession The Stanley Cup is looked after by a team of people with the title of 'Keeper of the Cup.' These people travel with the trophy, keeping it clean and, more importantly, safe. At least one member of the team is always with the trophy when it's in public. 'We get called different things too. People have fun with it. They call us Cup keepers, Cup dudes, Cup guys. You know, handlers is all kinds of terms, but in essence, we're basically babysitting the Cup,' Howie Burrow, Keeper of the Cup, told CNN Sports. Edmonton Oilers It's only natural that players want to party after finally getting their hands on the trophy and that seemed to be the case with the Edmonton Oilers following the magical final series in 1987, where the Oilers blew a 3-1 series lead, but managed to pull off the win in Game 7 against the Philadelphia Flyers. Led by Mark Messier, both on and off the ice, the Oilers reportedly went partying to celebrate and accidentally damaged the Stanley Cup over the course of the night, requiring repairs before being returned. Global tour The Stanley Cup has traveled to dozens of countries around the world, including places such as Afghanistan, Japan, Scotland and the UAE. It doesn't get a first-class seat, though. Instead, it flies underneath the airplane in a very secure box. 'When I'm getting my boarding passes, I'll open it up to show whoever's checking me in, but soon as I do that, there's usually about a dozen people in the other lines going, 'Oh my God, that's a Stanley Cup. Can I get a photo? Can I touch it?'' Burrow told CNN. Pittsburgh Penguins One thing the trophy's handlers insist on is that the Cup shouldn't get wet – although that didn't stop the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now legendary photos show the team celebrating with the trophy in Canadian star Mario Lemieux's swimming pool. Luckily, though, it seems like the trophy floated. All shapes and sizes The Stanley Cup we see today has been the same shape since 1948, but it hasn't always looked the same. The first ever iteration of the trophy, back in 1892, was just a bowl and was called the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup. Over the years, more tiers have been added to it and now the Cup stands at 35.25 inches and weighs 34.5 pounds. 'If you have to hang on to it for a long time and say, you have to walk a block or two because you're following somebody, it does get heavy. You're switching arms, or you got to put it down. You can work up a good sweat. But when the players first win it, right after on the ice, I mean, I'm sure it weighs hardly anything to them,' Burrow said to CNN. New York Rangers It seems even animals can enjoy the 'People's trophy.' In 1994, a photo was taken of Kentucky Derby winner Go For Gin eating out of the trophy while at New York's Belmont Park. New York Rangers star Eddie Olczyk was rumored to be behind the stunt, but he's since denied responsibility. Etched into history Each player of the winning team has their name etched into a band which is then placed onto the trophy – with older bands being retired through the years. Given the number of winners, it's not surprising that a few spelling mistakes have creeped onto the prestigious Cup. Detroit Red Wings What's the worst thing you could imagine happening to – or in – the Stanley Cup? Well, this might be it. When Kris Draper had his day with the trophy, he celebrated by putting his baby daughter in the Cup for a photo. Only she left behind a little surprise… by using the legendary trophy as a toilet. Summer tour Since 1995, every player who wins the Stanley Cup is allowed a day to celebrate with it – sometimes two – in any way they deem fit. The trophy is then returned to NHL trustees before the new season, meaning every team bids to win the prestigious trophy again. Pittsburgh Penguins Forward Josh Archibald got creative and used his time with the Cup to baptize his son. Three-week-old Brecken was photographed receiving his blessing while sitting in the bowl at the top of the trophy. Quite the experience for someone not even a month out in the world. Record winners No team in history has gotten its hands on the Stanley Cup more than the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs have won it 24 times, including a record five-in-a-row from 1956 to 1960. The franchise's first win came in 1916 – before the NHL even ran the tournament. The Canadiens haven't won it since 1993, though, and last reached the final in 2021.
