The 2025 Stanley Cup Final marks just the third instance in 40 years where the same two teams meet in back-to-back finals. Examining the previous rematches reveals striking similarities, particularly regarding the sport`s top player.
Last year, in 2024, the Florida Panthers initially dominated the Cup Final, taking a 3-0 series lead against the Oilers. However, Edmonton mounted a remarkable comeback, forcing a Game 7. In the end, the Panthers secured the championship on home ice with a narrow 2-1 victory.
Fast forward 12 months, and the Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, are seeking redemption. This mirrors historical situations: Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins 16 years prior, and Wayne Gretzky`s Oilers team exactly four decades ago in 1984, both returning to the Final after a loss to the same opponent.
Sidney Crosby`s Penguins, in their first Final appearance in 2008, were defeated by the experienced Detroit Red Wings. Pittsburgh returned to the Final in 2009, dropped the initial two games in Detroit, but then rallied to win four of the subsequent five games, culminating in a memorable 2-1 road win in Game 7 to clinch the Cup.
In the early 1980s, the Oilers reached their first Final in 1983 but were swept by the dominant Islanders dynasty, who secured their fourth consecutive championship. The following year`s rematch, however, was a different story, entirely controlled by Edmonton. After splitting the opening two games on Long Island, the Oilers swept the next three games at home (benefiting from the 2-3-2 series format) with a commanding combined score of 19-6.
Thus, Gretzky and his teammates secured their first Stanley Cup.
The striking parallel lies in two generational talents, Crosby and Gretzky, achieving their first championship ring on their second consecutive appearance in the Final. While they were in their early twenties compared to McDavid`s late twenties, the historical pattern is undeniable.
Could there be another historical parallel? Despite their incredible talent, neither Crosby nor Gretzky received the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) the first time their respective teams lifted the Cup. Instead, that honor went to outstanding teammates: Mark Messier in `84 and Evgeni Malkin in `09.
Duncan Priestley 
Neville Woodall