Latest news with #StanleyCups
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky warning sends Edmonton Oilers fans into panic after another Stanley Cup defeat
Wayne Gretzky warning sends Edmonton Oilers fans into panic after another Stanley Cup defeat (Image Source: Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers fell short again in the Stanley Cup Final, and fans were not the only ones disappointed. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who once led the team to glory, had some strong words after the loss. The comments came right after the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers in Game 6. But what exactly did Gretzky say that got everyone talking? Wayne Gretzky questions Oilers' goalie decision after Game 6 loss On Tuesday, June 18, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers lost 5-1 to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The match took place at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Stuart Skinner started in goal for Edmonton after being benched in Games 4 and 5. He stopped 20 out of 23 shots, but Florida added two empty-net goals in the third period, making the final score look even worse. After the game, Wayne Gretzky appeared on Turner Sports to talk about what went wrong. Gretzky, who played for the Oilers from 1979 to 1988 and helped them win four Stanley Cups, didn't hold back. He focused on the team's goalie situation. 'Is this our goalie or not? They gotta solidify that,' Gretzky said. 'You can't go into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals and switch your goaltenders. That's very rare that it's ever happened. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 게임 플레이 Undo ' His comments pointed to the uncertainty the Oilers showed when they changed goalies during the most important games of the season. While Skinner was chosen again for Game 6, the earlier decisions raised concerns for Gretzky and many others watching. Edmonton Oilers struggle again in the Stanley Cup Final The loss marked the second year in a row that the Edmonton Oilers were defeated by the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. They also came up short in 2024. The team's last championship win came back in 1990, just two years after they traded Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. Since then, the Oilers have had ups and downs but haven't been able to return to the top. Also Read: Dustin Johnson's Golf Struggles Spark Outrage As Paulina Gretzky Praises Father Wayne Gretzky In Viral Post The goalie change was just one part of the problem, but it stood out the most. Many fans and experts believe that the team needs a clear plan for their starting goalie if they want to win a title again. Wayne Gretzky's words have added more pressure on the Oilers to fix their issues before the next season begins. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Panthers GM Reveals Offseason Spending Plans Ahead of Free Agency
Panthers GM Reveals Offseason Spending Plans Ahead of Free Agency originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, the Florida Panthers are staring down a critical offseason that could make or break their chances of completing a three-peat next year. Advertisement Three key members of the Panthers — forwards Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad — are heading into unrestricted free agency, barring a contract-extension agreement before July 1. Panthers general manager Bill Zito, however, made the organization's approach clear and revealed the big plans within Florida less than two weeks before that date: the Panthers aren't backing down, and the franchise is ready to spend. "We're going to spend to the cap," Zito said during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday. "The Viola family ownership has empowered us to try to do everything we can to have the best team we can. "So we're going to spend it all." The Panthers' core, which added Marchand via mid-season trade, has now appeared in three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, winning the last two, and cementing themselves as a true NHL dynasty. Advertisement But with outside interest growing in Florida's key players—especially Bennett, who just won the Conn Smythe, and Marchand, possibly the best trade-deadline acquisition ever—Zito knows the challenge to keep everyone in tow. 'It's just trying to keep everybody together and have a meaningful team,' Zito said. 'And if players sign up to come here, we want to be able to also have other good players, so hopefully they can appreciate that.' Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) is going to be an unrestricted free agent on July Belski-Imagn Images Zito also acknowledged Florida's off-ice advantage because of the no-tax market the Panthers play in, and other things such as the warm Florida weather. 'There's the hockey piece, but the environmental piece, I'll call it, the weather, the fun, the flip flops—that's all part of it,' Zito said. 'It's too hard to not be happy when you're at the rink.' Advertisement The Panthers enter the offseason with $19 million available in cap space. That said, Daily Faceoff projects Marchand to sign a contract with a cap hit of $5.1 million, Ekblad for an AAV of $7.8 million, and Bennett for $6.4 million, which would amount to a combined $19.3 million, slightly over the Panthers' current room. Related: Panthers' Brad Marchand Addresses Future Immediately After Winning Stanley Cup Related: Connor McDavid Doesn't Hesitate to Point Out Oilers' Mistake in Stanley Cup Loss This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
The Islanders need to get back to being an uncomfortable opponent — the final reminded us why
The Islanders, unlike, say, the Maple Leafs or Hurricanes, probably do not need to view their problems through the lens of trying to beat the Panthers. Having missed the playoffs entirely this past season, the Islanders are too far off to view their window of opportunity as lining up with Florida's run of dominance in the Eastern Conference. They need to build up a core instead of wondering whether the clock will run out on one. Still, there are lessons to be learned from the Panthers' unflinching and relentless run to back-to-back Stanley Cups. Arguably the most impressive pair of numbers on Florida's statistical résumé: The Panthers ended the regular season second overall in Corsi For percentage while leading the league in raw hit totals.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Wayne Gretzky creates controversy, blames Oilers' Stanley Cup collapse on unforgivable goalie decision
The Edmonton Oilers' hopes for Stanley Cup redemption were dashed once again, and this time, franchise icon Wayne Gretzky is openly questioning the team's decisions—particularly their unstable goaltending situation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers were left facing not just defeat, but criticism from one of the most respected voices in hockey history. Wayne Gretzky calls out Oilers' goaltending chaos after second straight Stanley Cup Final loss Wayne Gretzky, who led Edmonton to four Stanley Cups in the 1980s, did not hold back during his analysis on Turner Sports after the game. Focusing squarely on the team's goalie rotation, he stated, 'Is this our goalie or not? They gotta solidify that. You can't go into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals and switch your goaltenders. That's very rare that it's ever happened.' The Oilers started Stuart Skinner in Game 6, despite benching him in Games 4 and 5 due to subpar performances. Skinner stopped 20 of 23 shots, but the Panthers sealed the win with two empty-net goals in the third period. For many fans and experts alike, the indecision surrounding Skinner's role became a glaring issue—not just a symptom of struggle, but a sign of strategic instability at the worst possible time. Gretzky's comments reflect what many fans have been feeling: the team's inability to lock down a reliable netminder may be the Achilles' heel in an otherwise championship-caliber roster. Back-to-back Stanley Cup heartbreak raises serious questions for Oilers leadership This marks the second consecutive year the Oilers have fallen to the Panthers in the Final, deepening the sense of frustration for a franchise that hasn't lifted the Cup since 1990—two years after Gretzky's departure to the Los Angeles Kings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The legacy of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and this current core now hangs in the balance. With their window to win narrowing, the pressure is mounting on Edmonton's front office to fix what's broken—starting with the crease. Also Read: As Gretzky's pointed critique echoes through the hockey world, one thing is clear: championship teams don't just need stars—they need stability. And for the Oilers, that starts in net.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Florida Panthers win Stanley Cup: Game 6 recap on how they topped Edmonton Oilers
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Stanley Cup is staying in South Florida. Sam Reinhart produced the first four-goal performance in a Stanley Cup Final game since 1957, Matthew Tkachuk added a goal of his own and Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves as the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 to end the series in six games. Advertisement Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe Trophy after leading the league with 15 postseason goals. Aleksander Barkov received the Stanley Cup from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman for the second straight year, and handed it off to defenseman Nate Schmidt to begin the celebration. GET THE GEAR: Florida Panthers win Stanley Cup: Get the latest gear to celebrate repeat champions! Barkov was one of five Panthers players to surpass 20 points in the playoffs, along with Bennett, Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand, one of two key pieces acquired before the NHL's trade deadline by general manager Bill Zito. The Panthers became the fifth team in the last 35 years to capture back-to-back Stanley Cups, joining their in-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning, who did so in 2020-21. Florida improved to 11-0 all-time when scoring first in a potential series-clinching game. Panthers win 2nd straight Stanley Cup, defeat Oilers 5-1 The Florida Panthers completed their Stanley Cup title defense, crushing the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 to win the best-of-seven series. Advertisement Sam Reinhart became the first player to score four goals in a Stanley Cup Final game since 1957, Matthew Tkachuk added one of his own and Sergei Bobrovsky made 28 saves to clinch the title. Another one: Sam Reinhart scores 4th goal into empty net Sam Reinhart hit the empty net again for his fourth goal of the night, but Vasily Podkolzin broke up Sergei Bobrovsky's shutout bid with 4:42 left in regulation. The Florida Panthers have a 5-1 lead against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6. Sam Reinhart completes hat trick; Panthers up 4-0 Sam Reinhart completed the first postseason hat trick in Florida Panthers history, all but icing the team's second straight Stanley Cup triumph. Reinhart flung the puck into the empty net from the Edmonton blue line, making the score 4-0 with 6:34 remaining in regulation. Advertisement Reinhart's hat trick is the 36th all-time in Stanley Cup Final history, but just the second this century. Mark Stone achieved the feat at Florida's expense two years ago. Oilers pull goalie with 7 minutes left Stuart Skinner has gone to the bench for an extra attacker with seven minutes remaining and the Edmonton Oilers down 3-0. Panthers maintaining 3-0 lead nearly halfway through 3rd period Only two stoppages have occurred in the opening 8:49 of the third period, and time is on the Florida Panthers' side. Sergei Bobrovsky has turned aside four Edmonton shots, and the Panthers have blocked several other attempts to maintain a 3-0 lead near the halfway mark of the third. If Florida holds on, it will capture the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row. End of second period: Panthers 3, Oilers 0 The Florida Panthers are 20 minutes away from repeating as Stanley Cup champions. Advertisement Florida will take a 3-0 lead into the third period thanks to a pair of goals from Sam Reinhart and another from Matthew Tkachuk. Sergei Bobrovsky has made 20 saves. According to The Athletic's James Mirtle, the Panthers' 92 goals are the most for any team in a single postseason since 1993. Should they close the Oilers out, they will set a new league record for the most time led in a single Stanley Cup Final (255 minutes, 49 seconds). Panthers take 3-0 lead on Sam Reinhart's 2nd goal The Panthers cashed in on a juicy Stuart Skinner rebound to take a 3-0 lead with 2:29 to play in the second period. Advertisement Carter Verhaeghe flung a seemingly harmless shot from the wall that a standing Skinner shrugged off with his right shoulder. With no Oiler in sight, Aleksander Barkov pounced on the free puck and his shot deflected off Sam Reinhart's skate and in. Edmonton's defensive pairing of Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak were caught on the ice for 1:31 prior to the goal. Skinner has surrendered three goals on 18 Panthers shots. Sergei Bobrovsky keeps Panthers ahead 2-0 with tip save Sergei Bobrovsky made his 17th save of the night, fending off a blocker-side redirection by Jeff Skinner to preserve the Panthers' 2-0 lead with 10:34 left in the second period. Gustav Forsling disrupts 2 Connor McDavid scoring chances Gustav Forsling sprawled on the ice and disrupted a pair of Connor McDavid potential one-time passes intended for Corey Perry, keeping the Panthers ahead 2-0 less than three minutes into the second. End of first period: Panthers 2, Oilers 0 Another dominant first period has the Panthers on the precipice of a Stanley Cup defense. Advertisement Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk scored a goal apiece, and Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 10 shots to send the Panthers to the first intermission with a 2-0 lead. Over the last four games, Florida has put nine unanswered first-period goals past the Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton forwards Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry were on the ice for both Florida goals, as was defenseman Evan Bouchard. Stuart Skinner made seven saves in the period. Panthers take 2-0 lead on Matthew Tkachuk goal Matthew Tkachuk fired home a second Florida goal through traffic, putting the Panthers ahead 2-0 in the final minute of the first period. Anton Lundell set a screen in transition, and Eetu Luostarinen found Tkachuk fresh off the bench for an open look. Tkachuk recorded his eighth goal of the playoffs. Stuart Skinner comes up big against Panthers' 4th line Stuart Skinner made a pair of saves in tight against AJ Greer, keeping the Oilers' deficit at 1-0 with 2:21 left in the first period. Advertisement Shots are 10-8 in favor of Edmonton, but Sam Reinhart's goal is the difference for defending champion Florida. Sam Bennett, Evander Kane called for coincidental minors Sam Bennett and Evander Kane spent two minutes each in the penalty box after stirring up a post-whistle scrum near the net. Kane was called for slashing, and Bennett for roughing at the 9:45 mark of the first period. Sergei Bobrovsky kicked out an Evan Bouchard slap shot with his right pad early in the four-on-four, and neither team took advantage of the extra room. Florida maintains a 1-0 lead with 6:57 left until the intermission. Sam Reinhart scores with Panthers' first shot on goal Selke Trophy finalist Sam Reinhart pickpocketed Evan Bouchard just outside Edmonton's offensive zone, slipped past Mattias Ekholm and beat Stuart Skinner glove-side to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead with 15:24 left in the period. Edmonton registered the game's first four shots, but the Panthers have struck first for the fifth consecutive game. Florida maintains a 12-4 scoring advantage in the first period during the series. Advertisement The Panthers are 10-0 all-time when scoring first in potential series-clinching games. Panthers lines, defense pairings during warmups With the Stanley Cup inside Amerant Bank Arena, here is how the Florida Panthers will line up for Game 6, aiming to defend their championship: FORWARDS Carter Verhaeghe — Aleksander Barkov — Sam Reinhart Evan Rodrigues — Sam Bennett — Matthew Tkachuk Eetu Luostarinen — Anton Lundell — Brad Marchand AJ Greer — Tomáš Nosek — Jonah Gadjovich DEFENSEMEN Gustav Forsling — Aaron Ekblad Niko Mikkola — Seth Jones Nate Schmidt — Dmitry Kulikov GOALTENDERS Sergei Bobrovsky (starter) Vitek Vanecek Stuart Skinner expected to start in goal for Oilers Kris Knoblauch will turn to Stuart Skinner between the pipes with the Oilers' season on the line. Advertisement The Edmonton native has been pulled twice in the series in favor of Calvin Pickard, but he draws back into the starting lineup for Game 6. Skinner has posted an unsightly .860 save percentage to this point against the Panthers, but he has seven wins — including three shutouts — with a 2.99 GAA in 14 appearances this postseason. Here is the rest of the Oilers' lineup for warmups: FORWARDS Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Connor McDavid — Corey Perry Evander Kane — Leon Draisaitl — Kasperi Kapanen Jeff Skinner — Adam Henrique — Trent Frederic Vasily Podkolzin — Mattias Janmark — Connor Brown DEFENSEMEN Darnell Nurse — Brett Kulak Advertisement Mattias Ekholm — Evan Bouchard Jake Walman — John Klingberg GOALTENDERS Stuart Skinner (starter) Calvin Pickard 2025 Stanley Cup Final schedule Game 1: Edmonton 4, Florida 3 (OT) [Edmonton leads series, 1-0] Game 2: Florida 5, Edmonton 4 (2OT) [series tied, 1-1] Game 3: Florida 6, Edmonton 1 [Florida leads series, 2-1] Game 4: Edmonton 5, Florida 4 (OT) [series tied, 2-2] Game 5: Florida 5, Edmonton 2 [Florida leads series, 2-1] Game 6: June 17 in Sunrise, 8 p.m. ET *Game 7: June 20 in Edmonton, 8 p.m. ET *if necessary How to watch Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 Where: Amerant Bank Arena, Sunrise Advertisement Time: 8 p.m. TV: TNT/truTV. Stream: HBO Max and Sling TV Watch the Panthers in Game 6 on Sling This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida Panthers lift Stanley Cup again: Highlights, recap from Game 6
