The Panthers are just built for the Stanley Cup Playoff grind, and that’s why I think they’ll repeat as Cup champs.
I believe the Oilers are stronger coming into this Stanley Cup Final than they were last year and were dominant in the Western Conference Final against the Stars.
This is going to be one heck of a Cup Final; I just think Florida takes it again.
The question is will he win the Conn Smythe and the Stanley Cup, or will he be the MVP on the losing side again?
But in all seriousness, it’s because they remind me a lot of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, when they won the Stanley Cup against the Detroit Red Wings after losing to them in the Stanley Cup Final in 2008.
When the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers square off in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, NHL . com writers and editors are divided on the outcome.
Eight of the sixteen staff members who made predictions predicted that the Panthers would win the championship again, and eight of them predicted that the Oilers would exact revenge for their seven-game defeat the previous season.
Edmonton captain Connor McDavid, who won in a losing effort the previous season, received seven votes, while center Leon Draisaitl received one vote for the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs. Florida’s goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and captain Aleksander Barkov each garnered four votes.
Here’s how they chose.
Senior writer Amalie Benjamin.
Finals record for the conference: 1-1.
Record overall: 9–5.
SELECTION: Oilers at 7.
WHY: It’s difficult to choose. However, despite the Panthers’ impressive performance in the first three rounds, their intelligence, tenacity, and style, I simply believe that the Oilers will prevail through revenge. After narrowly losing by one goal in Game 7 of the Cup Final last season, they were devastated, but they returned with a renewed sense of purpose. I believe it’s time for the best player in the game to overcome the hump and win the Cup, especially with Stuart Skinner looking like he can hold the fort in goal and McDavid and Draisaitl doing their best work. Like the Panthers, who lost the 2023 Cup Final to the Vegas Golden Knights before winning it the previous season, I believe the Oilers will be eager to demonstrate their abilities. It’s their year.
WINNER CONN SMYTHE: Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl.
Compton, Brian, managing editor.
Record in the conference finals: 1-1.
The overall record is 7-7.
Suggested: Panthers in 6.
WHY: It is impossible to overstate how both teams overcame this adversity to make it back to the Cup Final. Zach Hyman was very physical prior to his injury, so I would have liked the Oilers’ chances more if he had been healthy. This series against the Panthers would have been ideal for him. However, Edmonton would find it too much to handle with Brad Marchand joining a team that was already built to play at this time of year. I have to give Sergei Bobrovsky the advantage here, even though Skinner has played well in goal for the Oilers since the first round.
Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov was the CONN SMYTHE WINNER.
Nick J. The columnist is Cotsonika.
Record in the conference finals: 1-1.
Overall: 7–7.
SELECT: Panthers in six.
WHY: The Panthers are tighter defensively and can match the Oilers offensively. They have a better objective and are more physically fit. Edmonton will miss Hyman terribly. With 111 hits, the forward leads the playoffs despite missing the entire series due to an upper-body injury. With 812 hits in 17 games, the Panthers are leading the playoffs, while the Oilers have 648 hits in 16 games this postseason. Even with Skinner’s recent goalkeeping performances, Bobrovsky still has the advantage. Skinner has gone 6-2 with a 1.73 goals-against average, .931 save percentage, and three shutouts for Edmonton since taking back the net on May 10. Bobrovsky has gone 7-2 for Florida during that time, recording a 1.34 GAA, a .944 save percentage, and two shutouts. The Panthers will do it again.
The Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky was the CONN SMYTHE WINNER.
writer on staff, William Douglas.
Conference finals record: 1-1.
Eleven-3 overall records.
PICK: 7 Panthers.
WHY: Although it’s difficult to defeat McDavid, the world’s best player, I believe Florida’s tenacity and all-business mentality will help them in the Final rematch. Seth Jones, who was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks, has increased the Panthers’ defensive size, mobility, and offensive power. Marchand from the Boston Bruins has been added to Florida’s lineup, giving them more scoring options and an additional threat to take on McDavid and company. along with Matthew Tkachuk, an All Star agitator. Bobrovsky has improved his game in every series, but Skinner has been excellent in goal for the Oilers lately. But it won’t be simple to defeat Edmonton. However, it also wasn’t last year.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky.
Senior writer Tom Gulitti.
1-1 in the conference finals.
Eleven-3 overall.
PICK: Six Oilers.
WHY: Edmonton is better prepared for this Stanley Cup Final rematch after losing to Florida in seven games the previous season. The Oilers looked outmatched after losing the first three games, but they gained momentum in Game 4 and almost won the series before losing Game 7 2-1. Having learned from that experience, they won’t start this series behind and shouldn’t have to come back from a 0–3 deficit. McDavid is determined to complete the task and win the Cup for the first time.
Connor McDavid, Oilers, was the winner.
Fantasy’s senior director, Pete Jensen.
Finals record for the conference: 0-2.
The overall record is 7-7.
SELECTION: Oilers in 6.
WHY: There are a lot of reasons to support Edmonton at the moment, including the added drive from their loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year, their depth in scoring and even-strength play this postseason (outscoring opponents 42-26 at 5-on-5), their best player, McDavid, who is riding high after winning the 4 Nations Face-Off championship with Canada in their quest for the Stanley Cup, and the return of defenseman Mattias Ekholm in front of an already dominant Skinner. However, given how they have come back in numerous postseason games and destroyed three strong, well-organized teams thus far, the Oilers have a genuine chance to defeat the fierce Panthers. I’m returning to my preseason Cup selection because Edmonton has proven that it can win in any manner.
Connor McDavid, Oilers, was the winner.
Adam Kimelman.
Record in the conference finals: 0–2.
Score: 7–7 overall.
Panthers in six, my pick.
WHY: Although the Oilers and Panthers are different from their Final matchup a year ago, Florida’s dominance feels similar. I predict that the Panthers will win the Stanley Cup again because they are simply geared for the playoff grind. Their production from Marchand’s third line, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, puts them further up front. Additionally, they have a stronger top-four defense now than they did a year ago thanks to Jones’s arrival and Niko Mikkola’s development. Although I am aware that the Oilers’ defense has improved from a year ago and that their performance in limiting the Dallas Stars to just 17 shots on the road in an elimination game on Thursday was outstanding, I find it difficult to put my trust in Skinner in a crucial situation. After defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final, Florida didn’t throw a party; the Panthers are aware that the only celebration that counts will be the one they have after winning the Cup once more.
CONN SMYTHE WINNER: Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov.
Tracey Myers, a writer on staff.
Finals record for the conference: 1-1.
The overall record is 8-6.
PICK: 7 Panthers.
WHY: Well, I have conflicting feelings about this. I wanted to simply flip a coin and move on. The Oilers were dominant against the Stars in the Western Conference Final last year, and I think they are stronger going into this Stanley Cup Final. I’m convinced that the Panthers will win the Stanley Cup for the second time in a row, though, because of something about them that just amazes me. They are in the Final for the third straight season. Given the amount of hockey they’ve played over the last three seasons, logic would suggest that they should be physically exhausted by now, but they continue to play. This Cup Final is going to be incredible; I believe Florida will win it again.
The Panthers’ Sergei Bobrovsky was the CONN SMYTHE WINNER.
Chief Editor Bill Price.
1-1 in the conference finals.
Total score: 10–4.
PICK: 7 Oilers.
WHY: We know the following. We know McDavid will win the Conn Smythe for a second consecutive season because he is the world’s best player, and this will go seven games because, well, why not? I say yes to the first part of that question: will he win the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe, or will he continue to be the losing team’s MVP? Edmonton is unquestionably far more prepared for Florida and the Final this season, even though the Panthers defeated the Oilers last season. Unlike last year, the Oilers will have home ice, and they also know what kind of game the Panthers play. There should be no doubts about McDavid and Edmonton this time around, even though losing forward Zach Hyman to injury is significant and makes you question if Skinner can continue to play at his current level. This feels like McDavid’s time to lift the Cup at last, but it won’t be simple, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Florida won it again.
Connor McDavid, Oilers, was the winner.
The Shawn P. Roarke, the editorial senior director.
Conference finals record: 1-1.
The overall record is 8-6.
SELECT: Panthers in six.
WHY: Throughout his storied wrestling career, Ric Flair frequently stated that in order to be the man, you must defeat the man. The man is still Florida. This playoff run served as proof of it. The Panthers were losing Game 3 and trailing 2-0 in the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round. In the Eastern Conference Final, they defeated the Hurricanes four of five after a comeback, and they also won four of five in that series. Dot800 hockey over the last ten games is that amount. The team that jumped to a 3-0 series lead against the Oilers before faltering home in seven last year is arguably superior to this one with the additions of Marchand and Jones. It will conclude similarly to the previous season, despite the fact that it will be thrilling, intense, and entertaining. Florida will remain the dominant state.
WINNER CONN SMYTHE: Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov.
Dan Rosen, senior author.
Finals record for the conference: 1-1.
Overall: 8–6.
SELECTION: Oilers in 6.
WHY: This is a straightforward response. It’s because the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl was touched by the Oilers. Obviously. Obviously. Reverse the curse, huh? They lost to the Panthers in seven games last year because they neglected it. They win it if they touch it this year. It’s really just easy math. In all seriousness, though, it’s because they remind me a lot of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 Stanley Cup Final and went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2009. Live and learn, try again against the same opponent, and improve as a result. Just as Pittsburgh was led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Edmonton is still led by McDavid and Draisaitl. However, similar to the 2009 Penguins, the Oilers are superior in every way, including their generational stars. At this time, they will not be intimidated. They will avoid being overpowered. Unlike last year, they won’t drop the first three games. This time, they have home ice and are rolling. Edmonton will once more be known as the city of champions. Put it in place.
Connor McDavid of the Oilers was the winner.
The columnist is Dave Stubbs.
Finals record for the conference: 1-1.
Overall results: 12–2.
PICK: Oilers in seven.
WHY: Since the sentiments remain the same, copying and pasting yourself is not plagiarism, as I did here from last season (just adding one year). This spring marks 32 years since Canada loaned the Stanley Cup to the United States, and it’s time for the gift that was given to this nation in 1892 by then-Governor General Lord Stanley of Preston to return home. Florida is a fantastic team, from Barkov to Bobrovsky. However, I would love to watch McDavid, who is arguably the best hockey player alive today, raise the Stanley Cup above the city and watch Edmonton, which was known as the City of Champions during the 1980s, go crazy with joy. A whole generation of Canadians has only heard rumors about the Stanley Cup. There is nothing scientific about this choice, but it’s time for the dream to come true.
Connor McDavid of the Oilers was the winner.
Staff writer, Derek Van Diest.
2-0 is the conference finals record.
11-3 overall.
Oilers in six, my pick.
WHY: It’s hard for me to see McDavid and Draisaitl losing in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. The two superstars have improved their game and are in good health. Additionally, their supporting cast has grown stronger and more seasoned since the previous year. Once healthy, the Oilers dominated the Western Conference, defeating the Golden Knights and Stars in five games apiece and defeating the Los Angeles Kings in four straight games. From up and down the lineup, Edmonton is making progress. After a full year of waiting, I don’t see the Oilers being passed up this chance. The Stanley Cup will return to Canada thanks to McDavid and Draisaitl, who will make the difference in the series.
Connor McDavid of the Oilers was the winner.
Staff writer Mike Zeisberger.
2-0 in the conference finals.
Eleven-3 overall records.
SELECTION: Oilers at 7.
WHY: With Marchand and Jones added in the second half of the season, are the Panthers a better team than the one that defeated the Oilers 2-1 in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last year? However, the Oilers are as well, which Stars coach Pete DeBoer underlined following his team’s elimination by Edmonton on Thursday. Compared to the previous season, DeBoer claims that the Oilers have improved depth and play a much tighter, playoff-friendly defensive structure. Considering how boisterous Rogers Place and the entire city are, it is crucial that they have home ice advantage if it comes down to another Game 7. However, my primary motivation for choosing Edmonton is that nine months ago, the Oilers were my preseason pick to win the Cup. The internet has the evidence. Let’s wait and see if they can validate my claim. One thing is for sure: It won’t be simple.
Oilers’ Connor McDavid was the CONN SMYTHE winner.
