"That's why it was so striking to see the same two Stanley Cup finalists -- the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers -- in back-to-back seasons, the league's first Cup rematch since 2008-09, and only the second since 1983-84. Add in Florida's appearance in the 2023 Final as well, and the NHL hasn't had fewer unique finalists over a three-year span (just three different teams) since 1954-56, when only the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens reached the Final in those three years."
"This run of Panthers-Oilers dominance won't last forever, and it almost certainly won't survive past 2025-26 if Connor McDavid doesn't re-sign with Edmonton after his current contract ends at the end of the year. But for now, ESPN BET's preseason odds again list Florida (+300) as the East favorite and Edmonton (+400) as the West's top pick, suggesting that another rematch is the likeliest outcome."
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers reached consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, marking the NHL's first Cup rematch since 2008-09 and only the second since 1983-84. Florida also reached the 2023 Final, producing just three unique finalists over a three-year span, a level of repetition not seen since 1954-56. The Panthers-Oilers run appears fragile and could collapse if key conditions change, most notably Connor McDavid's contract status when it expires at the end of the year. ESPN BET's preseason odds list Florida (+300) and Edmonton (+400) as conference favorites. The piece previews plausible challengers and notes Carolina's long playoff streak without a Final appearance.
Read at ESPN.com
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