The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are set to run it back in the Stanley Cup Final and the stakes are higher than ever. In this crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, Nick Zararis and Armando Velez explore the deeper narrative arcs: Connor McDavid’s drive for validation, Sergei Bobrovsky’s shot at Hall of Fame status, and how both organizations evolved through heartbreak to get here again.

From hockey culture shifts to off-ice investment and depth building, this episode sets the emotional and structural stage for the most anticipated Stanley Cup Final in years.

On this episode:

Franchise legacy: what a win would mean to each

Off-ice investment and market legitimacy

Key figures: McDavid, Draisaitl, Bobrovsky, Marchand, Ekholm

How last year’s heartbreak shaped this year’s contender

Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers: Stanley Cup Rematch | Legacy, Rivalry, and Redemption

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The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final and the Florida Panthers are waiting for them. In this bonus episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis unpacks what makes this rematch so emotionally loaded: from last year’s heartbreak to Connor McDavid’s leadership, team growth, and the dream of finally lifting the Cup.

He breaks down the historical significance of rematches in sports, why the Oilers are better equipped this time, and why this opportunity means more than just another shot it’s a legacy-defining moment.

Topics:

Historical rematches: Red Wings-Penguins, Celtics-Lakers, Ali-Frazier

What drives Connor McDavid, and how the team has grown

Defensive improvements: Bouchard, Ekholm, Nurse

The case for optimism vs Florida

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Edmonton Oilers Get Second Chance at the Cup | Connor McDavid, Redemption & Florida Panthers Rematch Preview
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Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
Wonderful Pistachios
Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more!
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Edmonton Oilers are headed back to the Stanley Cup Final after defeating the Dallas Stars in five games. Connor McDavid delivered, the defense stepped up, and the Oilers proved that their depth is championship caliber, even without Zach Hyman.

On today’s Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis reflects on how this team evolved, what the victory means for McDavid’s legacy, and why a rematch with the Florida Panthers is the perfect final test.

On this episode:
0:00 Oilers clinch Stanley Cup Final berth

5:10 Strong team performance despite Hyman's absence

10:23 FanDuel sponsorship and betting opportunities

15:31 Oilers elevate play with each playoff round

20:35 Setting up Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup rematch

25:42 Rare chance for redemption against Panthers

31:19 Excitement for upcoming Stanley Cup Final
Edmonton Oilers Back to the Stanley Cup Final | Connor McDavid's Revenge Tour, Depth & Destiny

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Monarch Money
Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.
Wonderful Pistachios
Get snackin' and get crackin' with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more!
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new FanDuel customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets if your first FIVE DOLLAR bet wins!

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)