The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final, and it’s time to finish what they started. On this Game 1 edition of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis explains why this year’s team is better positioned to handle the Florida Panthers, how Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can tilt the ice, and where the Panthers could spoil the dream.

From special teams tactics to penalty kill breakdowns and the psychological edge of a rematch, this episode is everything you need before puck drop. Plus: one last emotional case for McDavid’s greatness and Edmonton’s moment.

0:00 Intro: Oilers four wins from Stanley Cup

4:10 McDavid and Draisaitl key to Oilers success

9:47 What could go wrong for the Oilers

15:23 Breaking down Panthers' dangerous power play

19:26 Final pitch: Why Oilers will win Cup

24:31 McDavid's legacy and chance at redemption

Stanley Cup Final Game 1 Preview | Connor McDavid, Legacy & What the Edmonton Oilers Must Do to Win
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We are one day from puck drop in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, and in this crossover edition of Locked On Oilers and Locked On Panthers, hosts Nick Zararis and Armando Velez break down every angle.

From Connor McDavid’s line combinations to Aleksander Barkov’s shutdown role, and from Sergei Bobrovsky’s playoff calm to Stuart Skinner’s resurgence, the matchups are fascinating. The hosts preview forwards, defense, goaltending, special teams and make their official Stanley Cup picks and Conn Smythe selections.
0:00 Intro: Stanley Cup Finals preview

5:07 Oilers' improved depth scoring this playoffs

9:50 Panthers' forward lines and matchup strategies

15:29 Panthers' success integrating new defensemen

19:00 Oilers' defensive improvements this postseason

23:41 Goaltending comparison: Bobrovsky vs. Skinner

28:32 Special teams analysis for both teams

31:04 Series predictions and Conn Smythe picks

Stanley Cup Final Matchups | Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers: Forward Depth, Defense, Goaltending & Picks

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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 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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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!

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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

🎧 Leave a review on Apple or Spotify — it helps a lot!

Edmonton Oilers Get Second Chance at the Cup | Connor McDavid, Redemption & Florida Panthers Rematch Preview
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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

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Monarch Money
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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)

Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about what really matters in the playoffs: goaltending. Also, we discuss how to improve the regular season AND the playoff format, before swinging back to the playoffs to talk about the importance of physical players like Sam Bennett in the postseason!

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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 delivered their best defensive performance of the playoffs in Game 4 — and now sit one win away from the Stanley Cup Final. On this episode of Locked On Oilers, Nick Zararis highlights the lockdown defense, smart veteran play from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Corey Perry, and Stuart Skinner’s consistency in net. Plus: what Zach Hyman’s injury could mean for Game 5 and why this Oilers group feels different from the one that fell short last year.

0:00 Intro: Oilers one win from Stanley Cup Final

5:15 Oilers defense playing at high level

10:52 Wonderful Pistachios sponsor segment

12:33 Perry and Nugent-Hopkins making big impact

20:14 Stars struggling to score against Oilers

25:54 Oilers making few mistakes, playing complete game

Oilers Dominate Game 4 | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Defense & Stuart Skinner Lead the Way
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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 two wins away from a Stanley Cup Final and they’re doing it with a style of play most analysts aren’t talking about. In today’s episode of Locked On Oilers, host Nick Zararis breaks down the team’s shift toward counterattacking hockey, explaining how this strategy has allowed Edmonton to thrive against puck-dominant teams like the Dallas Stars.

You’ll learn why the Oilers no longer need to control the puck to control the game, how players like Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are contributing in unexpected ways, and how to evaluate stats like expected goals and scoring chances without falling into common internet traps.

0:00 Intro: Counter-attacking hockey's impact on Oilers

4:07 Stars' offensive strategy and Oilers' defense

8:13 Oilers' adaptability in different playoff series

12:46 Understanding and using underlying hockey statistics

17:52 Benefits of creating offense off the rush

21:58 Oilers' defensive improvements in playoffs

25:32 Injury updates and lineup adaptability

Why the Edmonton Oilers' Counterattack Strategy is Dominating the Playoffs
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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)