The stage is set for a thrilling Stanley Cup final showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, with both teams having built strong cases through their impressive regular seasons. However, one team has been on a remarkable trajectory, overcoming a three-game deficit to force a deciding Game 7 in last year’s playoffs.
For many Canadians, there is an added layer of significance to this year’s final, thanks to the polarizing figure of Donald Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to annex Canada as its 51st state. However, hockey fans in Florida seem less divided on the issue, with some embracing the unique charm and “Florida attitude” that pervades the team.
The Panthers’ success can be attributed to a blend of talent, grit, and geographic advantages. As a tax-free state, Florida offers an attractive environment for top free agents to sign. This was confirmed by Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois, who cited the state’s “favourable tax situation” as a major factor in luring players.
Florida itself appears to be a key factor in the Panthers’ success, with its reputation as a land of opportunity and a place where people can start anew. The team’s mascot, a rat, may seem unconventional, but it embodies the scrappy and resilient spirit that defines the state’s residents.
Connor McDavid and the Oilers will face an formidable opponent in the Panthers, who are known for their relentless tenacity and aggressive playstyle. However, with two-time Cup winner Carter Verhaeghe on board, Edmonton has a capable squad to take on the challenge. The stage is set for an epic showdown between these two teams, with the Stanley Cup glory hanging in the balance.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/04/stanley-cup-oilers-panthers-hockey