Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers, Stanley Cup NHL Finals Game 1: TV, predictions, odds

[ASFN Admin]

One year after the Florida Panthers outlasted the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup Finals 4-3, the two teams are back again playing for North American sports' oldest trophy.

Both made quick work of their conference finals series, as Edmonton beat Dallas 4-1 and Florida topped Carolina 4-1. As was the case last year, this sets the record for the two teams that are the farthest apart meeting in the Stanley Cup Finals, as the cities are 4,089 miles apart. This is the sixth consecutive Stanley Cup Finals featuring a team from Florida.

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Carolina comes in as a slight favorite, though the series is widely considered a toss-up. The best-of-7 Finals get underway on Wednesday, and every game starts at 6 p.m. MT on TNT and truTV.

Stanley Cup NHL Final matchup​

The Florida Panthers will attempt to defend their title against the team they defeated in last year's Stanley Cup Finals, the Edmonton Oilers.

Home advantage in 2025 Stanley Cup NHL Final?​

The Oilers will have home-ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Final because it had 101 points in the regular season to Florida's 98. They will host Games 1, 2 and potentially 5 and 7. Florida hosts Games 3, 4 and potentially 6.

Stanley Cup NHL Final format​

The Cup Final is a best-of-seven series with a 2-2-1-1-1 format, where the team with home-ice advantage hosts Games 1 and 2, as well as the potential Games 5 and 7.

When does the Stanley Cup Final start?​

Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT.

What channel is the NHL Finals on?​

All Cup Final games will air on TNT and truTV.

Stanley Cup NHL Final schedule​

Game 7 (if necessary): Panthers at Oilers, Friday, June 20, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Game 1: Panthers at Oilers, Wednesday, June 4, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Game 2: Panthers at Oilers, Friday, June 6, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Game 3: Oilers at Panthers, Monday, June 9, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Game 4: Oilers at Panthers, Thursday, June 12, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Game 5 (if necessary): Panthers at Oilers, Saturday, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Game 6 (if necessary): Oilers at Panthers, Tuesday, 6 p.m. MT/7 p.m. CT, TNT, truTV

Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers odds​

The Panthers are -125 favorites to win the series. The Oilers are +105.

Stanley Cup Final predictions​

NHL.com senior writer Amalie Benjamin: Oilers in 7​

"Much like the Panthers did after losing the Cup Final to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and coming back to win it last season, I think the Oilers are going to be ready to prove themselves and their mettle. It’s their year."

Sports Illustrated: Oilers​

"History is also on Edmonton's side. Two all-time great players, Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, both won their first Stanley Cups in a rematch against a team that defeated them in the final the year prior."

Google Gemini AI: Oilers to win​

"I am leaning towards the Edmonton Oilers winning the 2025 Stanley Cup. I believe the combination of their improved defense, the absolute determination of their star players, and the home-ice advantage will be just enough to overcome the formidable Florida Panthers in a thrilling, likely seven-game series."

Bret Bloomquist can be reached at [email protected]; @Bretbloomquist on X.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Oilers vs Panthers, Stanley Cup NHL Finals Game 1: Predictions, odds

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