The Florida Panthers Smothered the Edmonton Oilers By A Score 5-1 To Win The Stanley Cup 4 Games to 2.
The Florida Panthers Proved They Are The Best Team In The NHL
Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals was built up to be an exciting game. The Florida Panthers led 3 games to 2 in the best of 7 Championship Series. Everything was on the line for the Edmonton Oilers as there was no tomorrow for their Stanley Cup hopes with a loss. The Panthers were hosting this game with the opportunity to win the Cup for the second year in a row in front of their home crowd.
The game started with much intensity and energy from both teams. But, as the 1st period started to move along, it was becoming clear that the Florida Panthers were prepared to limited good scoring opportunities for the Oilers. Additionally, they were aggressively fore checking and taking the play to the Oilers.
Just 4:36 into the first period, Sam Reinhart put the Panthers on the Board with an excellent individual effort beating starting goalie Stuart Skinner. This would be his first of four goals in this game. Matthew Tkachuk made it a 2-0 game with just 47 seconds left in the 1st with a wrist shot from the slot.
As an observer and fan, the game was taking on a familiar Florida Panther feel after one period. One in which they smothered the opportunities of their opponent and basically shrunk the ice. There was no open ice to be had for the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to work their magic.
The second period was more of the same. The Oilers opportunities were limited by the Panthers defensive style of play, coupled by the extremely solid goal-tending of Sergei Bobrovsky. Sam Reinhart gave the Panthers a 3-0 lead at 17:37 of the 2nd. After 2 periods, the Panthers led the Oilers 3-2. Frustration was beginning to set in, as the opportunities for the Edmonton Oilers were quite limited and their players seemed to wear that reality in their play and on their faces.
The third period saw more of the same. Edmonton was unable to solve the Panthers stymieing style of play and Sergei Bobrovsky.
The Oilers pulled their goaltender with about seven minutes left in the third period knowing they had a three goal deficit to overcome. This was the Oilers form of a ‘Hail Mary’. There were no power play opportunities in this game, which was another factor in limiting the impact of McDavid and others.
Sam Reinhart continued to have a very memorable night. In addition to his two earlier goals in this game, he went on to add two additional goals via the empty net variety. He scored at 13:26 and 14:55 to give the Panthers an insurmountable 5-0 Lead.
Vasily Podkolzn scored the Oilers lone goal late in the third period, much too little and much too late.
All that was left were the handshakes, the presentation of the Stanley Cup and Florida’s celebration.
Sam Reinhart Scored 4 Goals
Sam Reinhart had a very special night. He scored 4 goals in a Stanley Cup Final clinching game. He will remember this for his entire life. The only other player in the history of this storied league to score 4 goals in a Cup winning clinching game was in 1922 by Babe Dye of the Toronto St. Patricks who were playing against the Vancouver Millionaires.
Sam Bennett Wins the Conn Smythe Trophy as the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff MVP
Sam Bennett was a worthy winner of this trophy. He came to play every game with his high octane energy, tenacity, physicality, defensive and offensive play. You knew when he was on the ice. An infectious style of play that provided a template for his teammates. Well done Sam Bennett.
There were other worthy players on the Panthers who would have been in consideration, including goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who was lights out in net. Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk played a similar style to Bennett and were integral members of this championship team.
Paul Maurice Proved To Be A Next Level Coach
Paul Maurice has coached the Florida Panthers to three straight Stanley Cup Finals, winning the last two in 2024 and 2025. In the modern era of Salary Caps and related player personnel movement, this may be a form of a dynasty. He has been able to weave a winning formula style of play into the frame work of the team identity. His players play for him and he has not lost his voice in the dressing room. They believe in him.
Paul Maurice stands out on his own merits as a Conn Smythe worthy contender, although a coach is not eligible to win this trophy. He will have to settle with having his name on the Stanley Cup., again.
Canada’s Stanley Cup Drought Has Reached 32 Years
A Canadian based team has not won the Stanley Cup since the 1993 Montreal Canadians. Edmonton has come close with 2 straight Stanley Cup appearances. Yet, this famed trophy still eludes Canada. It is the hardest to win championship trophy in all of sport.
But, there is hope. Canadian Teams are on the rise. It will come home.
So we say, eh, let’s wait till next year.
Keep your stick on the ice and stay safe.
Greetings. In introducing myself, I must relate that family is most important. I am a husband, father and grandfather. Beautiful extended family. I was born in the 60’s. Graduated from Laurentian University in Sudbury in 1985 with a degree in Social Work. Recently retired.
Sports has been and continues to be my foremost outlet for stress. I have been a coach/ trainer on over 40 youth teams, including hockey, baseball and soccer. Hockey is my number one sport. Began playing as a young child and continue to play several times per week. Huge Fan. I am not an expert per say when it comes to having close contacts to the hockey world. Still have expertise as a Fan. I have probably earned some form of “Hockey PTSD” over the years with the highs and lows of the cheering for the Leafs. I want to respectfully share my opinion and respectfully view your opinions. Should be fun. Keep your stick on the ice.
Take Care and Stay Safe.