After five intense games, the Florida Panthers are one win away from capturing their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Their dominant 5-2 victory in Game 5 over the Edmonton Oilers puts them in prime position to close out the series on home ice at Amerant Bank Arena on Tuesday. However, just a few days ago, the Panthers were in some trouble.
In Game 4, they blew a 3-0 lead and allowed Edmonton to claw back and steal an overtime win, tying the series 2-2. But in Game 5, the Panthers responded with poise and discipline and are one win away from lifting the Stanley Cup. Here’s a look at the projected lineups for both teams, injury reports, and three key matchups that could determine the outcome of Game 6.
Projected Lineups – Stanley Cup Final – Game 6
Florida Panthers:
- Carter Verhaeghe – Aleksander Barkov – Sam Reinhart
- Evan Rodrigues – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk
- Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Brad Marchand
- A.J. Greer – Tomas Nosek – Jonah Gadjovich
- Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad
- Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones
- Nate Schmidt – Dmitry Kulikov
- Sergei Bobrovsky (starter)
- Vitek Vanacek (backup)
Edmonton Oilers:
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Connor Brown
- Vasily Podkolzin – Leon Draisaitl – Corey Perry
- Jeff Skinner – Adam Henrique – Trent Frederic
- Evander Kane – Matthias Janmark – Viktor Arvidsson
- Matthias Ekholm – Jake Walman
- Brett Kulak – Evan Bouchard
- Darnell Nurse – Troy Stecher
- Stuart Skinner (starter)
- Calvin Pickard (backup)
- Scratch: John Klingberg
The lineups listed above are based on predictions from Justin Perez of The Rat Trick.
Connor McDavid and the Oilers are entering Game 6 with the hopes of extending this fun series. 🔵ðŸŸ
Catch Game 6 of the #StanleyCup Final between the @EdmontonOilers and @FlaPanthers TOMORROW at 8p ET on @NHL_On_TNT, @SportsonMax, @Sportsnet and @TVASports! pic.twitter.com/y7ySQS4KQ4
— NHL (@NHL) June 17, 2025
Injury Report for Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
Florida Panthers:
- No injuries reported
Edmonton Oilers:
- Zach Hyman (LW): Upper-body injury – Out
- Alec Regula (D): Knee injury – IR – Non-Roster
Stanley Cup Final – Game 6 Details
- Date: Tuesday, June 17
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Amerant Bank
- TV: TNT, TruTV, MAX
Key Matchups – Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers
1. McDavid vs. Barkov
Aleksander Barkov’s defensive mastery will be tested against Connor McDavid’s dynamic play. Barkov was effective in shutting McDavid down in Game 5. If McDavid breaks free early, the Oilers’ top line could capitalize and take the game.
2. Oilers’ Power Play vs. Panthers’ Penalty Kill
Edmonton’s power play was nonexistent in Game 5 (0/3). Florida’s penalty kill has been patient and aggressive, blocking lanes and disrupting setups. Oilers need a dose of success from their special teams to even the series.
3. Bobrovsky vs. Skinner/Pickard
Sergei Bobrovsky has been steady in the net for Florida. Edmonton must find clarity on whether Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard gets the Game 6 nod. The decision will likely have a significant impact on the team’s chances.
