For nearly three full years under coach Paul Maurice, the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were unbeatable in the playoffs when holding a lead through either of the first two periods.

Connor McDavid had two hits on the opening shift of the Stanley Cup Final, and that was just the start of the Edmonton Oilers taking the body in Game 1 of their rematch against the Florida Panthers. The series opener was a clear message that for all their skill and talent,

The Oilers scored the final three goals to beat the Panthers in Edmonton and take the first game of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.