Stanley Cup Finals 2025: Schedule, Matchups, and Must-Watch Moments

The chase for hockey’s ultimate prize is down to its final chapters as the Florida Panthers clinched the Eastern Conference crown on Wednesday night, eliminating the Carolina Hurricanes in five games and earning a third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final. Panthers await West winner With the Panthers safely through, all eyes turn to the Western Conference Final where the Edmonton Oilers lead the Dallas Stars 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Saturday. If Edmonton closes out the series, it will be the first Panthers-Oilers Final in NHL history; a Dallas comeback would set up a rematch of the 2023 championship round. Projected Stanley Cup Final schedule • Game 1: Fri., June 6 or Sat., June 7 (Sunrise, FL) • Game 2: Mon., June 9 (Sunrise, FL) • Game 3: Wed., June 11 (Edmonton or Dallas) • Game 4: Fri., June 13 (Edmonton or Dallas) • *Game 5: Sun., June 15 (Sunrise, FL) • *Game 6: Tue., June 17 (Edmonton or Dallas) • *Game 7: Thu., June 19 (Sunrise, FL) (*if necessary — NHL has reserved dates through June 23 as a last possible finale) How to watch • TV: ESPN, ABC (U.S.); Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports (Canada) • Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo, Sling, Max (select Turner games) — local blackout rules apply Storylines to follow 1. Matthew Tkachuk’s redemption tour: After falling two wins short in 2023 and losing in seven games last June, Florida’s superstar returns with 21 points in 17 playoff contests. 2. Connor McDavid’s legacy watch (if Oilers advance): The three-time Hart Trophy winner is averaging 1.86 points per game this postseason, the highest mark of his career. 3. Dallas goaltending carousel (if Stars advance): Coach Pete DeBoer has already turned to both Jake Oettinger and prospect Connor Hellebuyck over the course of the playoffs, leaving the starter’s crease up for grabs. 4. Special-teams duel: Florida’s power play is clipping at 27.4 percent, second only to Edmonton’s 31.8 percent; whichever unit stays hot could tilt the series. Betting market Updated championship odds (via ESPN BET) • Florida Panthers: +105 • Edmonton Oilers: +140 • Dallas Stars: +700 Players to watch • Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Panthers – 11-4 record, .921 SV% • Evan Bouchard, D, Oilers – 22 playoff assists, most by a defenseman since 1994 • Wyatt Johnston, C, Stars – Nine goals, all at even strength, tops among players age 22 or younger Fast facts • Florida is 8-2 at home this postseason; Game 1 will be their first Stanley Cup Final opener at home since entering the league in 1993. • The Oilers have scored 4+ goals in 10 of 17 playoff games; the Stars have held opponents to two goals or fewer in eight of 18. • The team that wins Game 1 has captured the Cup in 76 percent of best-of-seven Finals. Fan FAQ Q: When will single-game tickets go on sale? A: The Panthers released a limited batch to the public on May 30 at 3 p.m. ET via SeatGeek; Western Conference host cities will announce their on-sale windows once the matchup is set. Q: Where can I stream without cable? A: ESPN+ carries every U.S. game; Canadian viewers can use SN NOW. Cord-cutters in both countries can also try Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or the “B/R Sports Add-On” in Max for TNT/TruTV simulcasts. Q: Who is favored for the Conn Smythe Trophy? A: Tkachuk (+250) leads, followed by McDavid (+300) and Panthers goalie Bobrovsky (+425). Bottom line Whether we get a sun-belt showdown with McDavid or a 2023 reprise against Dallas, the 2025 Stanley Cup Final promises elite skill, compelling narratives and a chance for Florida to capture the franchise’s first-ever championship. Bookmark this page for updates as the matchup, exact dates and TV details become official.