NHL convention finals preview: Hurricanes-Panthers, Stars-Oilers

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs discipline is right down to the ultimate 4. The Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers face off in a rematch of the 2023 Jap Convention finals, whereas the Western Convention finals are a return bout from 2024 between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers.

Which two groups will make it to the Stanley Cup Remaining? Ryan S. Clark and Kristen Shilton are right here with intel on all 4 groups, together with goaltender confidence rankings, what we have realized to this point about every workforce, X components and extra.

How they acquired right here: Defeated Avalanche 4-3, defeated Jets 4-2

Goalie confidence ranking: 9/10

Take into consideration the variety of groups which have needed to shuffle by way of goaltenders this postseason — whether or not due to accidents or inconsistencies. It is a part of what makes Jake Oettinger so important for the Stars.

No goalie has confronted extra photographs, made extra saves and logged extra minutes throughout the 2025 playoffs than Oettinger. He has supplied the Stars with a stage of stability that has performed a significant position in why they’ve superior to a 3rd straight convention closing. He has had a number of moments this postseason through which his worth has been amplified. Possibly the strongest instance of that may be the truth that the Stars are 3-0 in additional time, with two of these wins coming in series-clinching video games.

What we have realized in regards to the Stars to this point

Apart from that it was price mortgaging the longer term to commerce for and signal Mikko Rantanen, among the best wingers within the sport, to a long-term contract — after which watch him develop into the front-runner to win the Conn Smythe?

It is the truth that the Stars have proven they’re adaptable. They opened the primary spherical with questions on getting previous the Avalanche, provided that two of their greatest gamers, Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, have been out injured. Even now as they’re within the convention finals, the Stars have but to obtain constant offensive contributions from sure gamers (see beneath), and their depth could possibly be enormously examined in opposition to what could be the deepest workforce within the playoffs.

play

Thomas Harley sends Stars to West finals with OT winner

The Dallas Stars crowd goes wild as Thomas Harley’s purpose seals a 2-1 additional time win to clinch the sequence over the Winnipeg Jets.

X issue for the convention finals

Will or not it’s the 81% — or will the 19% make its mark? There is a purpose for such a cryptic query, and it comes again to how scoring has labored for the Stars this postseason.

5 gamers have scored 26 of Dallas’ 32 objectives (i.e., 81% of them) coming into the Western Convention finals: Rantanen, Roope Hintz, Thomas Harley, Wyatt Johnston and Mikael Granlund.

The remaining 19% have come from key gamers corresponding to Jamie Benn, Evgenii Dadonov, Mason Marchment and Tyler Seguin. These 4 have mixed to attain 5 objectives this postseason, whereas Matt Duchene hasn’t scored in any respect.

Take note they’re heading right into a sequence in opposition to a defensive construction that shut out the Vegas Golden Knights for 2 straight video games. Once more, depth will matter.

Has the expertise of the previous two years ready the Stars to take the subsequent step?

A 3rd straight convention finals look reaffirms that the Stars are in a championship window. However is that this the yr through which the Stars attain the Stanley Cup Remaining and probably win all of it?

The primary of their three journeys, in 2023, allow them to be taught what it meant to win in additional time, given they misplaced two video games to the Golden Knights within the further body. Their second journey — final season in opposition to the Oilers — noticed them battle to search out consistency in opposition to a workforce that would use the entire of its elements after falling right into a 2-1 sequence gap.

This postseason has included profitable a number of additional time video games, lastly profitable the primary sport of a sequence, keeping off an opponent making an attempt to power a Sport 7, managing with out two of their greatest gamers and extending Peter DeBoer’s Game 7 streak to 9-0. However will all of that be sufficient? — Clark

How they acquired right here: Defeated Kings 4-2, defeated Golden Knights 4-1

Goalie confidence ranking: 8/10

Every thing the Oilers’ defensive construction achieved within the common season was met with the disconnect of inconsistent goaltending. It gave the impression to be a problem by way of the primary two video games of the playoffs, which is why Kris Knoblauch had Calvin Pickard exchange Stuart Skinner en path to beating the Kings within the opening spherical.

However when Pickard sustained an harm, Skinner returned … and shut out the Golden Knights for the ultimate two video games of the second spherical. For the entire criticism Skinner has confronted — and continues to face — he has the Oilers 4 wins away from a second consecutive Stanley Cup Remaining look. However above all, whether or not or not it’s Pickard or Skinner, the Oilers now have the defensive cohesion that has eluded them at occasions, which is useful to any netminder.

What we have realized in regards to the Oilers to this point

That they could be the most effective and deepest workforce within the playoffs. There isn’t any denying the benefit they’ve with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, who’re first and second on the workforce in factors this postseason. However this present iteration of the Oilers continues to show how the squad is extra than simply its generational superstars.

Waiver pickup Kasperi Kapanen went from being a wholesome scratch on the outset of the postseason to scoring a second-round series-clinching purpose. Corey Perry has had one of many strongest playoffs by a participant of their age-39 season. Greater than a dozen forwards have scored not less than one purpose.

The Oilers as soon as once more went by way of goalie points, they usually discovered options on a number of events. In complete, they’ve 9 gamers who’ve scored greater than three objectives, all whereas discovering defensive cohesion at a time when Mattias Ekholm has been out of the lineup.

play

Oilers name sequence after Kasperi Kapanen scores OT winner

Kasperi Kapanen one way or the other will get his stick on the puck final on a scramble in additional time because the Oilers clinch the sequence vs. the Golden Knights.

X issue for the convention finals

Particular groups. The Oilers had the most effective penalty kill within the 2024 playoffs, at 94%, which is likely one of the greatest charges in Stanley Cup playoff historical past. Couple that with what was the second-best energy play, and it is what made the Oilers a risk in each state of affairs final spring.

This postseason, nevertheless, has been completely different. On the entire, their energy play continues to be succeeding at a charge of 25%, which is nice sufficient for sixth amongst all 16 playoff groups. Their penalty kill is 14th, at 66.7% — by far the worst of the remaining 4 groups.

Can they make the required changes? They’d the worst energy play of any workforce within the second spherical, with a 9.1% success charge on the extra-skater benefit, whereas their PK was tied for the second-lowest mark of the eight groups, at 76.9%.

Is the sequence win over the Golden Knights an indication of issues to come back?

The Oilers earned a return to the convention finals by tapping into each a part of their roster. However one of many byproducts of utilizing everyone seems to be how they’ve diminished opponents into dealing with a depth disaster of their very own.

The Golden Knights had 11 gamers end with greater than 10 objectives within the common season, whereas 11 gamers had greater than 30 factors. In opposition to the Oilers, nevertheless, star heart Jack Eichel was held with out a purpose, whereas the trio of Ivan Barbashev, Tomas Hertl and Brett Howden went from scoring a mixed 78 objectives within the common season to scoring zero in opposition to Edmonton. Even the Golden Knights’ defensemen went from having 35 objectives within the common season to only one purpose within the playoffs.

Understanding they’ve a greater than succesful blueprint, how will the Oilers use what they did within the second spherical in opposition to what has been a top-heavy Stars workforce up to now? — Clark

How they acquired right here: Defeated Devils 4-1, defeated Capitals 4-1

Goalie confidence ranking: 9.5/10

Frederik Andersen is having an eye-popping playoff run. His absurd numbers — a .937 save share and 1.36 goals-against common — lead your entire postseason discipline of goaltenders, as he has allowed simply 12 objectives over 9 video games. And it isn’t as if Andersen hasn’t been challenged. He turned apart 30 of 31 high-danger possibilities from Washington in Carolina’s second-round sequence and gave up simply 4 even-strength objectives in 5 video games.

Andersen additionally paces all playoff goalies in high-danger saves, whereas boasting the most effective purpose differential (+15) as properly. Mainly, if there is a class to measure goaltending greatness, Andersen is head of the category.

Carolina’s solely actual concern in terms of Andersen is availability — he did miss time within the first spherical in opposition to New Jersey with an harm. Andersen’s prolonged harm historical past must be behind the Hurricanes’ minds, however when Andersen is nice to go, there’s not a goaltender taking part in higher than he’s proper now.

What we have realized in regards to the Hurricanes to this point

The Hurricanes are like midsummer humidity — completely smothering. Carolina’s stress is a full-team effort, leaving little open ice for any opponent to function. The Canes have allowed the second-fewest photographs on internet this postseason (simply 24 per sport) thanks largely to the way in which they’ve managed play within the offensive zone and generated a superb cycle sport that has worn down the competitors.

The Hurricanes are so good utilizing their sticks to interrupt up performs and rush alternatives, making it exhausting to even achieve their zone. And a stout protection — led by Jaccob Slavin and Brent Burns — would not let anybody linger for lengthy in Carolina’s finish.

Add to that an offensive assault led by Andrei Svechnikov‘s eight objectives in 10 video games — to not point out Andersen’s excellent efficiency to this point — and it is no surprise the Hurricanes have been first to punch their ticket again to the Jap Convention finals.

play

Andrei Svechnikov places Canes on the brink with late purpose

Andrei Svechnikov lights the lamp to provide the Hurricanes a lead late within the third interval.

X issue for the convention finals

Rod Brind’Amour. Carolina’s longtime coach introduced his workforce to this precipice simply two years in the past — and the Canes have been swept away in 4 video games. Now he is dealing with the problem of matching wits with one other Stanley Cup-winning bench boss, Florida’s Paul Maurice, and it is important that Brind’Amour convey his A-game in opposition to his former coach.

The Hurricanes have caught with him for a purpose, and Brind’Amour has guided Carolina by way of a sensational 10 video games to this point this postseason. That is when the true work begins, although. Whether or not it is deploying the suitable matchups, making changes on the fly or just holding the heartbeat of his workforce in examine, Brind’Amour has to make this spherical his greatest teaching job but. And the expertise he has with this group specifically is crucial.

The Hurricanes have grown since that final convention finals loss. Given this second alternative in three years to doubtlessly push by way of to a Stanley Cup Remaining, Brind’Amour’s management is extra precious than ever in making certain the Hurricanes stick with their sport to lastly break by way of.

Does it matter that Carolina hasn’t precisely confronted adversity but within the postseason?

The Hurricanes have been dominant in each sequence to this point. Neither of their losses was notably egregious. Now they’re up in opposition to an opponent that has needed to claw its manner again into the struggle a time or two.

Florida has wanted to domesticate some desperation in a manner Carolina hasn’t, and that may be an asset because the stakes climb larger. How will the Hurricanes reply if issues do not instantly go their manner?

We have seen it earlier than, the place groups cruise by way of a spherical (or two) after which crumble in opposition to a extra pressing opponent that has gained confidence by way of resiliency. If the Hurricanes wind up in their very own heads, that would spell hassle for a workforce that has made fast work of its playoff assignments up to now. — Shilton

How they acquired right here: Defeated Lightning 4-1, defeated Maple Leafs 4-3

Goalie confidence ranking: 8.5/10

Sergei Bobrovsky hasn’t had a flawless postseason — however he does come by way of within the clutch. That is what Florida wanted most from its No. 1 netminder to succeed in a 3rd straight Jap Convention finals.

Bobrovsky particularly delivered within the Panthers’ second-round sequence in opposition to Toronto. He recovered from a mediocre begin by way of the primary three video games — permitting 13 complete objectives — to surrender simply 4 objectives in Video games 4-7 for a .957 SV% and 1.01 GAA.

That is the momentum Bobrovsky is taking into this television series conflict with Carolina, the place he’ll be going toe-to-toe with maybe this postseason’s greatest goaltender in Frederik Andersen. Bobrovsky should not be intimidated by the matchup, although. He has one thing Andersen would not: Cup-winning expertise. Bobrovsky has carried his membership by way of to consecutive Cup Finals and is aware of easy methods to climate the highs and lows of a future like this. There’s nothing the Hurricanes can throw at Bobrovsky that ought to rattle him.

What we have realized in regards to the Panthers to this point

The Panthers are the definition of killer intuition. It is ingrained of their sport. Their capacity to make changes that expose an opponent’s weak spot with out sacrificing their very own strengths is spectacular.

So is Florida’s depth. The Panthers have had 17 purpose scorers within the postseason, together with seven defensemen who’ve mixed for 11 tallies. Florida is fourth total within the postseason discipline offensively (averaging 3.75 objectives per sport), however its defensive effort and penalty kill have maybe outshined the work upfront.

The Panthers have been the second-stingiest workforce within the playoffs (after, naturally, their subsequent foe in Carolina) with simply 2.42 objectives in opposition to per sport; they’ve given up the second-fewest photographs (23.8 per sport); they usually have the second-best penalty kill (89.5%).

Florida has a resilience constructed from its success over the previous two seasons that comes by way of within the workforce’s confidence. Whatever the state of affairs — main, tied or trailing — the Panthers are calm and picked up. The steadiness they’ve created at each ends of the ice makes them powerful to crack, and Florida would not provide up alternatives freely. It is a battle-tested group that is aware of when and easy methods to strike.

play

Panthers throttle Maple Leafs in Sport 7 to advance to ECF

The Panthers sprint the Maple Leafs’ hopes in Sport 7, scoring six objectives in two intervals to advance to play the Hurricanes.

X issue for the convention finals

The Panthers have benefited from that aforementioned depth to get this far — however Florida’s stars have been eerily quiet within the second spherical. That should change in opposition to Carolina.

Matthew Tkachuk had zero objectives and 4 assists in opposition to the Leafs, Aleksander Barkov nabbed two objectives and 5 factors, whereas Sam Reinhart has 41 photographs within the postseason however simply 4 objectives by way of 12 video games. It feels as if there could possibly be a breakout efficiency coming from someplace.

The Panthers should work for each inch of open ice when the Hurricanes deploy their suffocating protection, however Florida does have an edge over the competitors when it comes to elite, top-end scoring expertise. Nevertheless it’s these precise skaters who’ve to point out up now to throw an elite goaltender like Andersen off his sport.

The Panthers do a superb job getting our bodies in entrance of the web and creating capturing lanes. That is the sequence after they’ll most have to make the most of these home windows — and see sure skaters put their mark on this postseason push with some key contributions to the scoresheet.

Will Florida must beat Carolina at its personal sport?

The Hurricanes and Panthers are basically 1-2 in each defensive class this postseason, and their particular groups are on par. Florida has the sting offensively, however Carolina has loved well timed scoring in a giant manner — suppose Andrei Svechnikov‘s game-winning purpose within the closing two minutes of regulation to ship Washington packing within the second spherical — and that may be a weapon too.

The Panthers have an innate capacity to adapt when the circumstances dictate it. That is going to be crucial right here. Florida pounded Carolina in a four-game sweep throughout the groups’ assembly within the convention finals two years in the past. That is not one thing the Hurricanes can simply neglect, and the Panthers can lean on that too in determining easy methods to dismantle a workforce that has made fast work of its first two challengers in these playoffs.

It is on Florida to crack the code in opposition to a workforce that does lots of the similar issues the Panthers do actually, rather well. — Shilton