The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are heating up as the field narrows down to the final four teams. In the Eastern Conference, we have the Carolina Hurricanes facing off against the Florida Panthers in a rematch of the 2023 Eastern Conference finals. Over in the Western Conference, it’s a familiar matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Edmonton Oilers, who met in the conference finals last year. So, which two teams will come out on top and make it to the Stanley Cup Final? Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton are here to give us the lowdown on all four teams, including their goaltender confidence ratings, key players, and X factors to watch out for.
Dallas Stars: The Stars have advanced to their third straight conference final, thanks in large part to goaltender Jake Oettinger, who has been a rock between the pipes. Oettinger has faced a barrage of shots this postseason and has come up big when it matters most. The Stars have shown adaptability throughout the playoffs, overcoming injuries to key players and relying on a few standout performers to carry the load offensively. However, their depth will be tested against a strong defensive team in the upcoming series.
Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers have found success despite some goaltending issues, with Stuart Skinner stepping up in the absence of Calvin Pickard. Their offensive firepower, led by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, has been impressive, but it’s their special teams that will be crucial in the conference finals. The Oilers will need to make adjustments to improve their power play and penalty kill, which have struggled in the playoffs. Can they continue their strong performance against a tough Stars team?
Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes have been dominant so far, with goaltender Frederik Andersen putting up stellar numbers in the postseason. Andersen’s outstanding play has been a key factor in Carolina’s success, along with their suffocating defensive pressure and balanced offensive attack. Coach Rod Brind’Amour will play a crucial role in guiding the Hurricanes through the conference finals, as they look to break through to the Stanley Cup Final. Can Carolina maintain their momentum against a resilient Panthers team?
Florida Panthers: The Panthers have relied on goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky’s clutch performances to reach their third straight Eastern Conference finals. Florida’s depth and killer instinct have been instrumental in their playoff run, with contributions coming from all areas of the lineup. However, their top stars will need to step up offensively against a strong defensive team like Carolina. The Panthers will need to crack the Hurricanes’ defensive code and adapt to their style of play to come out on top in the series.
As the final four teams battle it out for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, goaltending, depth, special teams, and coaching will all play crucial roles in determining the outcome of the conference finals. Each team brings a unique set of strengths and challenges to the table, making for an exciting and unpredictable playoff race. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds on the ice, and we find out which two teams will ultimately compete for hockey’s ultimate prize.
