Heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, neither the Florida Panthers or the Edmonton Oilers held home-ice advantage in any of their series. And as the NHL's Season Finale gets underway, not too many pundits are surprised that we are getting a Cup Finals rematch, the first back-to-back showdown since Detroit and Pittsburgh closed out the 2000's. Despite losing power-forward Zach Hyman to injury for the rest of the playoffs, Edmonton's roster is feeling very confident about their chances, but are well aware of the challenges that the defending champions possess. CFRA Live technical producer Stephen Ellsworth analyzes this year's showdown ahead of Wednesday's Game 1.

<p>Heading into the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, neither the Florida Panthers or the Edmonton Oilers held home-ice advantage in any of their series. And as the NHL's Season Finale gets underway, not too many pundits are surprised that we are getting a Cup Finals rematch, the first back-to-back showdown since Detroit and Pittsburgh closed out the 2000's. Despite losing power-forward Zach Hyman to injury for the rest of the playoffs, Edmonton's roster is feeling very confident about their chances, but are well aware of the challenges that the defending champions possess. CFRA Live technical producer Stephen Ellsworth analyzes this year's showdown ahead of Wednesday's Game 1.</p>