Connor McDavid Sends Clear Warning to Panthers Before Stanley Cup Final
Connor McDavid Sends Clear Warning to Panthers Before Stanley Cup Final originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Edmonton Oilers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final with the goal of redemption in mind.
Advertisement
Last year's Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers still lingers, but the tone around Edmonton's return is far more composed.
With a rematch now set, Oilers captain Connor McDavid made it clear that this version of the team is sharper, stronger and far from spent — as it presumably was last season.
Edmonton's road to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final has looked different from its path a year ago. There was early turbulence in April against the Los Angeles Kings as the Oilers went down 0-2 to start the first-round series, but Edmonton has won 12 of its last 14 postseason games.
McDavid said the team's emotional approach has shifted entirely from last year.
Advertisement
"We're better for going through last year. It was a great learning experience, and it's driven us all year," McDavid said. "This run has felt different than last year. It's felt very normal. It hasn't been as emotional. That's put us in a good position.
"Those games can be emotionally draining. We're not drained."
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after a goal in the third period of Game 1 against the LA Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
McDavid also said the Oilers have yet to reach their peak, even though their 12-4 playoff record wouldn't make anyone believe that.
"It's been a different experience. Some teams get really hot down the stretch, and they ride it all the way through the playoffs," McDavid said. "For us, it's come together in the playoffs. We've been building and building and building our game.
Advertisement
"We're starting to see some of our best hockey. Our best hockey is still in front of us, which is a great thing."
Florida swept the first three games of last year's Final before Edmonton forced and ultimately lost a deciding Game 7. Contrary to last season, the Oilers have home-ice advantage this year.
Related: Matthew Tkachuk Sends Clear Message About Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup Final
Related: NHL Reveals Oilers-Panthers 2025 Stanley Cup Final Schedule, Dates, Times
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Florida Lands Recruit Who Can Play 4 Positions
Florida Lands Recruit Who Can Play 4 Positions originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Florida Gators' impressive run in June shows no signs of slowing down. On Saturday, during "Gille in the Ville" — the program's offseason recruiting venture for the class of 2027 — the Gators earned a commitment from four-star athlete Tramond Collins. Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier© Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Collins' commitment to Florida comes while he holds offers from the Florida State Seminoles, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Louisville Cardinals, the Tennessee Volunteers, the UCF Knights, and the USF Bulls. 247Sports ranks him as a top 15 athlete in the 2027 recruiting class. Advertisement Collins played a versatile role on offense for Cottonsdale High School in Florida last season, playing wide receiver, quarterback, defensive back, and linebacker. He rushed for 661 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 13 passes for 402 yards and six scores. Defensively, he had 33 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception, which was returned for a touchdown. The six-foot-two offensive playmaker also returned a kick for a touchdown. Collins becomes what will likely be the first of many 2027 hard commits to give their pledge to the Gators this month. Many of the team's top 2027 recruits visited Florida this weekend for "Gille in the Ville," with the expectation of declaring their commitments next week. As for the 2026 class, head coach Billy Napier has received ten hard commitments since the calendar flipped to June. The latest hard commit for Florida, excluding Collins, is cornerback CJ Bronaugh, a fringe five-star prospect for the 2026 class. Per 247Sports, they have a top-15 class in 2025 and 2026 with their sights set on an elite 2027 group of recruits. Related: Florida's Offensive Line Group Receives High Praise From Former SEC Star This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
New Florida Stadium Video Hypes Up Fans
New Florida Stadium Video Hypes Up Fans originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A short video posted by the Florida Gators' official account stirred excitement among fans early on June 20. The fifteenth-second clip featured quick cuts of Gators football players, crowd energy, and on-field celebration. Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow scores a touchdown as Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Donald Washington attempts a tackle in the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 8, Emmons-Imagn Images The message was direct. The Swamp, known for its atmosphere and noise, remains a difficult place for opponents to play. The video didn't offer new footage or an announcement. Instead, it aimed to set the tone. Game days in Gainesville have always leaned into the idea of toughness and pride, and this video leaned into that same identity. Fans responded quickly. One user replied, 'Can't wait to hit the swamp this year,' capturing a common reaction among Gators supporters. Another called it 'My happy place,' suggesting the stadium still holds emotional weight. Advertisement While most replies were positive, one user from an opposing fanbase commented, 'Easy stadium to play in,' adding a bit of competitive back-and-forth to the post. Another one commented, 'And Eagles'. The phrase 'Only Gators get out Alive' is a longtime slogan tied to Gators football. It's often connected to the loud, high-pressure environment that The Swamp is known for nationally. The post received over 11,000 views within the first day. It also collected hundreds of likes and dozens of comments. This quick reaction suggests continued engagement around the Gators program, even outside the regular season. No current players or coaches were tagged or quoted in the post. It was a tone-setting move, built around tradition and energy. Fans seemed ready to embrace it. With the season still ahead, the early signs of interest point to another loud fall in Gainesville. Advertisement Related: Florida Football: 5 Best Quarterbacks in Gator History Related: Florida Football: Ranking the Toughest Games on the Gators' Schedule This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Wraparound: Can The Panthers Keep Bennett And Marchand?
Welcome to the off-season. The Wraparound is here to discuss the NHL and more in rapid-fire topics. Can The Panthers Keep Bennett And Marchand? by The Wraparound Can The Panthers Keep Bennett And Marchand? by The Wraparound undefined Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode: Advertisement 0:00: Where do the Florida Panthers rank among recent dynasties in the NHL? 3:30 What does the future hold for the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid with his impending free agency in 2026? 6:50 Will the Florida Panthers retain Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett? 10:30 After Mitch Marner's charity event in Toronto was cancelled, is it all but confirmed that he will be leaving the Maple Leafs? 13:35 What team is the best fit for Jonathan Toews? 15:38 What team that wasn't involved in the 4 Nations Face-Off could make some noise at the 2026 Olympics? 17:35 Could the Vancouver Canucks move on from Thatcher Demko this summer? Advertisement 20:20 Is there a scenario where the New York Islanders draft anyone other than Matthew Schaefer? 21:45 How will Roman Josi's recovery impact Barry Trotz's off-season priorities? 25:40 Making early predictions for the 2025-26 NHL season See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes. Apple Podcasts Spotify Podbean iHeartRadio Amazon Promo image credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
