Panthers Aim to Close the Curtain on Oilers in Crucial Game 6 Showdown
So here we are — Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. It all comes down to this moment for the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. Florida’s got the 3-2 series lead, and tonight, they’re looking to finish what they started. The Panthers are just one win away from going back-to-back as Stanley Cup champions, after capturing their first title only last year. This isn’t just another game; this is a defining moment for both franchises.
The Panthers made a strong statement in Game 5 with a commanding 5-2 victory. Brad Marchand, who’s been nothing short of brilliant this series, put up two goals in under 14 minutes of ice time. That brings his tally to six goals in this Final alone, leading all skaters. And he’s not just scoring — he’s driving momentum with every shift. Alongside Anton Lundell, Marchand also boasts a playoff-best plus-18 rating. That kind of two-way dominance has given Florida an edge that Edmonton is struggling to match.
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For the Oilers, tonight is do-or-die. They've been in this position before — just last year they forced a Game 7 under similar pressure. Can they do it again? That’s the big question. And in a bold move, they’re turning back to goaltender Stuart Skinner, who was benched in Game 5 after four starts this series. Calvin Pickard, who got the nod last game, was lit up for four goals on just 18 shots. Head coach Kris Knoblauch is banking on Skinner’s experience in elimination games, where he's historically stepped up big.
Connor McDavid finally got on the scoresheet in Game 5, but the Oilers need more than flashes of brilliance. They need full-game execution, especially in the neutral zone, where Florida has dictated pace and possession. Edmonton’s defense also has to tighten up — they were exposed last game, and Bobrovsky wasn’t tested nearly enough in the Florida net.
If Edmonton falls tonight, their season ends in disappointment. But if they can push it to Game 7, anything’s possible — especially back home in Edmonton. The odds are stacked, with Florida sitting as moneyline favorites at -155. But odds don’t play the game. Heart, execution, and resilience do.
Puck drops at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Whether you’re watching from home or lucky enough to be in the arena, this is one of those games where legends are made. Will the Panthers seal the deal, or will the Oilers find one more spark to stay alive?
We’re about to find out.
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