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New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final preview: Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers
By Shayna Goldman, Sean Gentille and Dom Luszczyszyn In 1983, Wayne Gretzky went to his first Stanley Cup Final and lost to the New York Islanders. One year later, he got his revenge in a rematch. In 2008, Sidney Crosby went to his first Stanley Cup Final and lost to the Detroit Red Wings. One year later, he got his revenge in a rematch. Advertisement History has a way of repeating itself; the greats tend to follow similar paths. It's fitting, then, that the first final rematch in 16 years offers Connor McDavid the same opportunity that Gretzky had in 1984 and Crosby had in 2009: Revenge. It's his Edmonton Oilers facing off against the very Florida Panthers that beat them in the final last year. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. Gretzky and Crosby did it. Is it McDavid's turn to do the same? Well, the odds are against him. The Oilers are an elite team, saving their best hockey of the season for the right time of year. They've earned their spot with relative ease, especially from Game 3 of the first round onward. The Oilers started the season as the Stanley Cup favorite and look more than ready to make good on that promise. The only problem is what's standing in their way: An arguably stronger version of the team that beat them last spring. The Panthers are a terrifying group right now, a juggernaut that can do it all at both ends of the ice. As strong as the Oilers have been in these playoffs, the Panthers have arguably been stronger. Even without home-ice advantage, the Panthers start with an edge in this series, one that grew further with an injury to Zach Hyman. With him in the lineup, the Oilers would've had a 49 percent chance — not far off from last year's 50-50 series. Without him, the mountain ahead looks a little steeper. This is still projected to be a very tight series, as expected from the best of the East and West. But at the outset, the Panthers look slightly more formidable. The Panthers were one of the strongest teams heading into the playoffs, with a plus-51 Net Rating. But over the last three rounds, that's bumped up to a plus-68. The Oilers' glow up took them from a plus-46 to a plus-61 (with the return of Mattias Ekholm mostly canceling out the loss of Hyman). Now they're the final two left standing, ready for another best-on-best matchup in the Final. Advertisement These were two of the top five-on-five teams in the regular season. Edmonton generated more quality offense and a higher scoring rate, while Florida suppressed more chances and allowed fewer goals against. The Panthers were one of the better offensive creators of the regular season, despite not having the scoring to show for it. That hasn't been a problem this postseason, though. Florida's xGF/60 of 2.77 is pretty consistent with its regular season numbers; it's just materialized in a much higher goal rate of 3.62 per 60 that leads the 16-team playoff field. That offense hasn't come at the expense of their defense, making them an all-around threat that challenged each Eastern Conference foe they've faced. The Oilers have kicked their offense up a notch, too; they generate more than Florida has with 3.15 xGF/60, but their actual scoring pace is a shade below that. The real difference in Edmonton is their commitment to team defense and steadier goaltending, which has only coughed up 1.90 GA/60. That even-strength defense will have to be tight against the Panthers, and ideally will trickle more into short-handed situations. That's where Florida has a clear edge, especially in the playoffs. The Oilers' power play is more high-octane, though, and will test Florida's penalty kill. Can Edmonton's mobile blue line solve Florida's forecheck? Ekholm's numbers for Game 5 of the Western Conference final didn't jump off the page. He played 15:52 overall and saw a bit of time on the penalty kill; the Oilers chased the puck more than they usually do with him on the ice but scored twice, with an Ekholm assist on one of them, and they didn't allow a goal. Nothing spectacular. Doesn't matter. It was a big enough deal, of course, that Ekholm was in the lineup at all. He hadn't played since April 11, when he made his second attempt at returning from the injury that initially sidelined him on March 6. At the time, the injury was expected to sideline him for the entire postseason, but there he was against Dallas, spending most of his five-on-five time on a pair with Evan Bouchard (10:07) and also seeing a bit with John Klingberg (3:16). Troy Stecher, Darnell Nurse's main partner against Dallas, came out of the lineup. Brett Kulak moved up with Nurse. Advertisement Ekholm's return is an undeniably positive development for Edmonton. Toward the top of the list is what his presence will mean for their defense of Florida's relentless forecheck, a difference-making element both in their Cup run last season and their work getting through the Eastern Conference. Ekholm is solid all around, but at his best, he has the frame (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) and puck-retrieval ability necessary to both withstand punishment from players such as Bennett and Tkachuk and the skill necessary to start the possession-flipping process. Putting Ekholm back with Bouchard on a full-time basis would give Edmonton a top pair with a strong record of dealing with the forecheck. Bouchard, prone to the big mistake as he can be, has been the Oilers' best defenseman in terms of turning retrievals into zone exits, with about 11 per 60 minutes across the regular season and playoffs. We know Edmonton's forwards are lethal, but they can't do their jobs if they don't have the puck. Keeping Klingberg on a pair with Jake Walman, regardless of where Ekholm lands, also seems like the right move. Last season, Edmonton didn't have any great option beyond Ekholm-Bouchard when it came to getting the puck from the boards to the forwards. In the playoffs, Klingberg and Walman have both been terrific in that area, ranking among the league's best in terms of generating zone exits. More generally, the Oilers are going to have the option to zig where the Eastern Conference zagged. Tampa Bay and Toronto came into their series against the Panthers with defensive lineups that leaned a little more heavily on size than on puck-moving, at least along the top two pairs. We saw how that worked out for them. Ditto for Carolina, whose blue line lacked size, but still preferred to chip pucks out. Edmonton, even with a tank like Ekholm back in the lineup, focuses more on true puck-moving ability as a means of flipping the zone. Whether it works remains to be seen, but they're certainly situated more for success now than they were in 2024, and they're going to give the Panthers a different look than the ones they've seen thus far this spring. Can the Panthers keep up their road-ice advantage? Home ice was a big deal this season and has been an even bigger deal during the playoffs. During the regular season, home teams won 56.3 percent of games, up from 53.4 percent the previous three seasons. In the playoffs, home teams have won 61.3 percent of games, up from 51.7 percent in 2021-24. Both marks are the highest since 2012-13. Advertisement Here's what's even wilder: home teams that haven't played the Panthers have actually won 67.1 percent of games. The unlucky few that have are a combined 2-8. The Panthers have been dominant on the road. What makes that even scarier is that Florida's road record — an .800 win percentage matched by only 17 other teams in the modern era — actually undersells the destruction. The Panthers have outscored opponents by 27 goals (!) on the road, the most in the modern era. It hasn't even been close with seven of their eight wins being by three or more goals — all against the other best teams in the East. These Panthers thrive off the eerie silence that comes after a road goal, often doubling and tripling up on the pain in quick succession. One of Edmonton's many tough tasks in this series is limiting the damage when these Panthers smell blood. That's easier said than done, but the Oilers look well-equipped to handle the heat. As strong as the Panthers have been on the road, the Oilers have been equal to the task with a 6-1 record at home. Keeping that up will be vital. Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart are elite two-way threats at the top of the Panthers' lineup, taking on matchup minutes against the opponents' best. Already this postseason, that has meant a lot of time against Nikita Kucherov, Auston Matthews and Sebastian Aho — but Barkov and Reinhart are the ones left standing. This round, though, poses their biggest challenge yet: McDavid and Draisaitl. Last year, McDavid controlled play in his head-to-head minutes against Barkov in the Stanley Cup Final — but at the end of the day, Florida and Edmonton broke even in five-on-five scoring with a goal a piece. Against Draisaitl, the Panthers outscored the Oilers 3-1. That's the level Barkov (and Reinhart) have to at least match to be back-to-back champs; Barkov is playing close to his projected value, while Reinhart can still take it up a notch. The added wrinkle this time around is that the series will start in Edmonton, so Kris Knoblauch will have a bit more control over the matchup game to free up his big guns. Advertisement Those big guns get thrown together on a top line when the Oilers need a spark, but have generally been split across the top-six over the last two rounds. That forms a one-two punch that few can counter. McDavid's postseason was just fine (by his lofty standards) through two rounds, but he hit that next gear against the Stars. He put up a multi-point game in four of five Western Conference final games, and is up to a Net Rating pace of 31.3, which is a lot closer to the game-breaking level that's expected of him. Last year, he won the Conn Smythe in a losing effort — and now he's on a mission to change that. The challenge is maintaining that level with a little less help around him, now that Hyman is out for the series. Corey Perry has big skates to fill on that top line, but he's having a great postseason so far. So is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins after a down year; he has scored at a rate of 3.53 points per 60 through 16 playoff games, after only mustering 1.99 per 60 in the regular season. While that's likely the top line the Oilers use in this series, the second is a bit more in flux around Draisaitl. The key is that, unlike years past, it's not just McDavid and Draisaitl against the world — the Oilers have a lot more bottom-six support, from Connor Brown, Adam Henrique and even Jeff Skinner, who returned to the fold for Game 5 against the Stars. If McDavid and Draisaitl can keep driving their own lines, the Panthers need to respond with their second line. In Round 2, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett earned a 56 percent expected goal rate, but were outscored 5-3 at five-on-five. The mid-series addition of Carter Verhaeghe to that combination helped turn things around. That new-look second line did some damage against the Hurricanes, with a 4-0 scoring edge in their minutes. What makes Florida so dangerous is that the offense doesn't stop below the top six — the third line of Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell and Brad Marchand solidifies their deep attack. That line has been pesky all postseason, outscoring opponents 10-2, with a 58 percent expected goal rate. This line created plenty of problems for Tampa Bay and Toronto, but was held off the board against the Hurricanes. If they get back to their scoring ways from earlier this postseason, the Oilers will have to find a way to counter that. Those three lines will keep the Oilers' defense pairs busy; the Panthers' blue line will have their hands full, too. Advertisement What Florida's blue line lacks offensively compared to Edmonton's, they make up for in shutdown talent. It starts with Gustav Forsling, who has emerged as one of the best shutdown defensemen in the league. He plays a quietly effective game against the league's best forwards, while his partner, Aaron Ekblad, has added some more scoring and bite to his game this postseason. Niko Mikkola and Seth Jones help shoulder the burden of tough minutes on the second pair, and they have put up sparkling numbers despite their workload. They're extremely stingy, only giving up 1.48 xGA/60 in their minutes, which is one of the best marks of the playoffs. With the top four playing at this level, the third pair of Dmitry Kulikov and Nate Schmidt is maximized in sheltered minutes. That all gives Sergei Bobrovsky a lot of two-way support in net, which he needed earlier this postseason. But after falling below expectations in six of his first eight starts, he completely turned it around. Since then, he has earned quality starts in eight of his next nine games to bring him up to 9.46 goals saved above expected this postseason. Over the last couple of postseasons, Playoff Bob has taken on a new meaning — and Bobrovsky is back to embracing it. But his turnaround isn't as dramatic as Stuart Skinner's. Skinner lost his net to Calvin Pickard after two disastrous starts against the Kings. But an injury to Pickard gave him another chance at redemption. After a shaky first game against Vegas, he has found his footing with five quality starts in his next six games, where he's saved a collective 10.3 goals above expected. That's the Skinner that has to lock in for Game 1, unlike last year when he struggled until an outstanding Game 4. But if he struggles again, Pickard at least is healthy enough to take back over when or if needed. Advertisement Leon Draisaitl vs. Aleksander Barkov If Draisaitl takes home his second Hart Trophy — and he has the best case of any skater — his dramatically improved defensive play will have plenty to do with it. Edmonton earned nearly 60 percent of the goals with him on the ice, real and expected, and both numbers were the best of his career. Does he belong on the Selke shortlist? Nope. Still, if you're holding onto the notion of him as a superstar with some shaky five-on-five play, it's time to reassess. Nothing of the sort is necessary for Barkov, whose reputation as the best two-way center in the league (at least based on Selke voting) is deserved. Against the Hurricanes, his line had solid results against their shutdown line centered by Jordan Staal; their time against the top line, centered by Sebastian Aho, was a bit more of a mixed bag. In Game 3, when Paul Maurice had the last change, he sent Barkov's line out primarily against Staal's. In Game 4, it was more Aho. It'll be interesting to see where Maurice goes this time. Edmonton has the best player on Earth, another who's a Hart finalist, a goalie who might be peaking and a supporting cast that spent the playoffs proving its worth. All that, and they're still the underdog. So it goes when your opponent has championship pedigree and no real weaknesses. Florida's edge is real and earned. References How these projections work Understanding projection uncertainty Resources Evolving Hockey Natural Stat Trick Hockey Reference NHL All Three Zones Tracking by Corey Sznajder (Photo of Connor McDavid and Aleksander Barkov: Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
A Stanley Cup Final rematch with history on the Line
The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final after a commanding 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. With the victory, Edmonton has set up a high-stakes rematch against the Florida Panthers, echoing last year's intense seven-game series. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In 2024, the Panthers had taken a series lead before the Oilers staged a dramatic comeback, forcing Game 7. Florida ultimately secured its first-ever Stanley Cup. This time, Edmonton enters the final more seasoned, more determined, and with a chance to become the first Canadian team since 1993 to hoist the Cup. NHL history offers striking examples of how rematches can rewrite outcomes. In 2008, the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. But in 2009, Pittsburgh reversed the result, winning the rematch in seven games and capturing the Cup. Sidney Crosby led that run with 15 goals, while teammate Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe with 36 points. Connor McDavid looks to join elite company with potential Cup win Oilers only need 1 more win to reach Stanley Cup Final Connor McDavid has carried the Oilers through the postseason with dominant performances and clutch leadership. His play has drawn comparisons to legends like Crosby and Gretzky, both of whom captured their first Cups during rematch finals. With Zach Hyman's injury creating a gap in Edmonton's lineup, McDavid's role becomes even more critical. His ability to elevate under pressure could be the deciding factor in the series. The Oilers have the tools and history on their side. Now, they just need the execution. Florida Panthers bring experience but face the pressure of repeat success The Florida Panthers celebrates with teammates (Credit: Getty Image) The Florida Panthers are no longer chasing their first title. They're defending champions now, a position that comes with a different kind of pressure. Repeating as Cup winners is a rare feat in today's NHL. Their experience from last year could be valuable, but it also places them under the microscope. Read more: History shows that second chances often come with different results. The Oilers are banking on that pattern to finally bring the Cup home.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fans have just one question for Sidney Crosby: When will he propose to Kathy Leutner?
Sidney Crosby could be lifting the Stanley Cup over his head or breaking NHL milestones, and fans will still flood the internet with one main question: when is he finally going to propose to Kathy Leutner? The Penguins captain has been with the model for over 15 years, quietly building one of the longest-running (and most private) relationships in pro hockey. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But despite all that time and despite fans' detective-level sleuthing, there's been no engagement ring, no proposal, and no wedding bells in sight. So why are hockey fans so obsessed with when Sid will pop the question? Sidney Crosby's ultimate assist: Is marriage even on the playbook for the NHL's golden boy? Sidney Crosby isn't just a star on the ice, he's also one of the most famously private athletes in the league. You won't catch him posting a couple selfie, doing TikTok trends, or showing off vacation photos with Kathy. In fact, the two are so lowkey that even longtime Penguins fans sometimes joke they've never seen them together. But that privacy has only amplified fan curiosity. Every time Sid makes a rare public appearance (or when Kathy's name pops up in the press), Twitter, Reddit, and hockey forums light up: 'When's he going to marry her?' 'What's he waiting for?' 'Come on, Sid, lock it down!' It's not just nosiness, fans love a good fairytale. Many have followed Sid since his teenage years, watching him grow into a franchise legend. Seeing him marry his longtime partner feels like the natural happy ending. Plus, in a sports world where many athletes' relationships play out publicly (with proposal videos and Insta-announcements), Crosby's mystery adds to the allure. But here's the thing: maybe Sid and Kathy are happy as they are. Maybe marriage isn't the goal, or maybe they just don't care about doing it on the world stage. Still, you can bet that the next time Crosby lifts a trophy or shows up at an NHL event, fans will be whispering the same thing: 'When's the ring coming?' Also read -
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sidney Crosby, Marc-André Fleury, and Mikko Rantanen star in Faceoff Season 2 — here's why fans are hyped for the NHL docuseries
If you thought hockey season was over when the final buzzer sounded, think again. Hockey's biggest stars are headed to your screen this fall, but not on the ice, they're starring in Amazon Prime Video's Faceoff: Inside the NHL Season 2. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And the lineup? Absolutely stacked. Sidney Crosby, Marc-André Fleury, and Mikko Rantanen are among the new faces set to bring fans deep into the highs, lows, and hidden moments of NHL life. This announcement has already set social media buzzing, with fans eager to see how some of the league's most private and legendary figures will open up. Why Sidney Crosby, Marc-André Fleury, and Mikko Rantanen's addition makes Faceoff Season 2 a must-watch for NHL fans For years, fans have wondered what Sidney Crosby is like away from the rink, the ultra-private Penguins captain rarely shares personal details. Now, Faceoff promises a rare peek behind the curtain, letting fans see the human side of a hockey icon. Marc-André Fleury's inclusion adds extra emotion, as the beloved goaltender heads into his final NHL season. Watching him reflect on his career, his legacy, and what comes next will be one of the season's most heartwarming storylines. Mikko Rantanen, meanwhile, has gone through trades, big playoff moments, and off-ice challenges, making his journey one of the most dramatic arcs. Combined, these three stars bring a mix of legacy, emotion, and tension that sets this season apart. What else fans can expect from the new season of Faceoff It's not just Crosby, Fleury, and Rantanen carrying the show. Season 2 will also feature Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, William Nylander, Anze Kopitar, and Brendan Shanahan. This all-star cast offers fans a full-spectrum look at the NHL from rookies and rising stars to veterans and executives. What makes Faceoff stand out is its focus on the emotional side of the game: family life, team dynamics, personal setbacks, and locker-room moments that fans never get to see on game night. Season 1 was praised for its authentic storytelling, and Season 2 looks ready to go even deeper. Also read -
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NHL stars bring emotion and insight to Faceoff Season 2 with dramatic new storylines and deeper discovery
Face Off Season 2 (Credit: Amazon Prime) The second season of Faceoff: Inside the NHL on Prime Video brings together an exceptional lineup of hockey stars. From legends like Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury to dynamic forwards. Such as Mikko Rantanen and William Nylander. Also, the series goes beyond highlights and statistics, as it gives viewers a rare look into the players' journeys. Along with their challenges and emotional moments. Unlike traditional game coverage, this documentary peels back the layers of the league's top names, and the presence of veteran Brendan Shanahan and the Tkachuk brothers. This adds both experience and personality. It allows fans to connect with the emotional pulse of the league in a way standard broadcasts rarely allow, and the series also captures pivotal moments. This includes retirements and major career shifts. And that defines the players' lives on and off the ice. Tragic losses and emotional resilience in Columbus A deeply emotional storyline follows Columbus Blue Jackets players Sean Monahan and Zach Werenski. As they navigate a difficult season, the team continues to grieve the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota 4Runner Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo Also, their journey brings a somber but necessary layer to the show, and it honors lives lost. While showing how players cope with tragedy. Trade moves and personal decisions also shape Season 2's narratives, and Mikko Rantanen's unexpected journey. That, too, from the Avalanche to the Hurricanes. And then on to the Stars is one of the most intriguing arcs. It reveals how quickly a player's reality can shift, and how that change affects their mindset and game. Exclusive access brings fans closer than ever Face Off Season 2 (Credit: Amazon Prime) Faceoff Season 2 thrives on its ability to take fans where they cannot normally go. With candid moments and behind-the-scenes footage, it opens the door to the inner world of hockey. It shows the sport not just as competition, but as a space of personal stakes, emotion, and discovery. Read more: New Islanders GM evaluates Horvat and Palmieri future This deeper level of access makes the series stand out. By blending emotional depth with elite hockey talent, Faceoff is shaping the future of sports storytelling in the NHL.
