Florida has fought its way back to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, proving their resilience and skill through the playoffs. Edmonton, meanwhile, has finally reached the final in the Connor McDavid era, setting the stage for a battle between two determined teams hungry for their first-ever Stanley Cup. With elite talent and team dynamics on display, this series promises an intense showdown, where either Florida or one of the game’s biggest stars will claim hockey’s most coveted prize.

Let’s break down the strengths of each team by position and assess their chances for success.

Goalies: Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Stuart Skinner
Florida’s goaltending has been rock-solid throughout the playoffs, with Sergei Bobrovsky delivering exactly when his team needs it most. He’s posted a consistent 90.8% save rate, 2.2 GAA, and 1 shutout. While his save percentage might look average, it aligns with league trends, where playoff goalies rarely reach the 94% mark. Florida has also done a solid job limiting high-danger shots, allowing just 24.4 shots on goal per game.

Stuart Skinner, on the other hand, has been more of a wildcard. He’s had stellar moments, like his series against Dallas, but has also struggled, as seen in the Vancouver games. This inconsistency even prompted Calvin Pickard to make his Stanley Cup debut. Skinner’s stats (89.7% save rate, 2.5 GAA, 1 shutout) reflect this instability. Florida has the edge here due to Bobrovsky’s experience and steady play, while Skinner’s unpredictability is a concern for Edmonton.

Defense: Two Breakout Stars on Opposing Sides
Florida’s Gustav Forsling has had a breakout season, transforming into one of the NHL’s top two-way defenders. The Swedish blue-liner, once overlooked at 24, now showcases sharp hockey IQ, excellent positioning, and an ability to read the play defensively. His +56 regular-season rating and +11 in the playoffs speak to his effectiveness, and he’s also chipped in 11 points (4+7) across 17 playoff games.

In Edmonton, Evan Bouchard has finally reached his potential, looking like a future Norris Trophy candidate. He posted an impressive 82 points (18+64) over 81 regular-season games and has already contributed 27 points (6+21) in the playoffs. Although Bouchard still shows some defensive gaps, his offensive upside is undeniable, and his +14 rating highlights his impact.

Overall, Florida’s defense appears more balanced, with players like Brandon Montour adding creativity, and Aaron Ekblad and Nico Mikkola providing stability. In contrast, Edmonton’s defense is more uneven. Aside from Bouchard and the reliable Mattias Ekholm, the Oilers struggle to find consistency. Darnell Nurse, for instance, stands out for the wrong reasons with a -13 rating and minimal offensive contribution (0+3).

Offense: Three Balanced Lines vs. One Elite Line
Florida’s offense mirrors its defense — steady and cohesive. While stars like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov lead the charge, every line is a scoring threat. Each forward in the top three lines has netted at least three goals, and Florida’s forwards double as the team’s first line of defense, excelling in physical play and forechecking.

Edmonton, however, relies heavily on a top-heavy offense. The team’s top five scorers (including Bouchard) carry most of the scoring load, with a wide gap between them and the rest of the lineup. Zach Hyman, with 18 points (14+4), significantly outpaces Evander Kane, who has just 8 points (4+4). Despite this reliance on their stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have the skill to change a game at any moment.

While Edmonton may boast more top-end offensive talent, Florida’s well-rounded approach makes it more consistently effective.

Conclusion
Florida’s balanced lineup provides an edge across the board, and the team’s relentless pressure has worn down opponents throughout the playoffs. Edmonton’s success in this series will depend on the brilliance of its star players and the reliability of Skinner. To avoid ceding control, Edmonton must prevent the defensive breakdowns seen in its sixth game against Dallas. Florida is the favorite, but Edmonton is likely to put up a fierce fight in every game.