With Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final slated for tonight, the Florida Panthers sit on the cusp of greatness. If they can secure a win tonight, they complete their quest for back-to-back championships as the dynasty label enters conversations surrounding this iteration of the team.
The only thing standing in their way are the Edmonton Oilers, who nearly fought back from the brink of elimination last year against this same team before ultimately falling short in Game 7. We’ve all seen the infamous video of Connor McDavid’s profanity-laden attempt to energize his teammates in a similar spot in last season’s Cup — one can expect the same energy from the captain tonight from a team with their backs against the wall.
Can Edmonton survive for one more night to force a Game 7, or will Florida slam the door and claim another title? Find out in this Panthers vs. Oilers Game 6 prediction and pick for Tuesday night’s next Stanley Cup Final matchup.
Panthers vs. Oilers Game 6 prediction, preview
Both of these squads have walked this path before, so they’re well-acquainted with the stakes tonight. However, the series shifts back to Sunrise, Florida in front of a rabid Panthers fanbase that smells blood in the water. The Panthers’ players certainly do too, and given the toughness they show, they’re looking to land the final blow and prevent a win-or-go-home situation like that of last year.
Florida comes off a 5-2 win on the road in which they dominated overall. After each team logged a minimum of 30 shots across the first four games of the series, neither side logged more than 21 attempts in Game 5. Granted the shot totals were a bit inflated due to overtime (and a double OT) in three of those contests, but if there’s one thing to learn from the last time these teams clashed, it’s that the Panthers finally slowed the pace and played their own brand of hockey. Edmonton only took 21 shots and were out-hit 31-25 as Florida shut their opponents down for the majority of the contest — the Oilers’ first goal came seven minutes into the third period, and once they scored, the Panthers immediately fired back to make it a 4-1 game.
While the Oilers did rely on Calvin Pickard rather than Stuart Skinner in goal, Pickard saved just 14 of 18 shots he faced with a .778 SV%. Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett kept pumping out goals as they compete for the Conn Smythe (two for the former, one for the latter), efforts which left the Oilers flailing. In Game 6, they turn back to Skinner in hopes he can salvage the season, but his .860 SV% and 4.20 GAA this series leave him vulnerable to a Florida attack which Edmonton’s defense doesn’t appear to have an answer for.
Panthers vs. Oilers Game 6 pick, best bet
Just like in Game 4 at home, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Panthers as -155 Moneyline favorites tonight. The Oilers are +130 underdogs to win outright with the total set at 6.5 goals.
It’s so, so difficult to pick against the Oilers when they’re coming off a loss in the postseason. We saw this squad dig deep last postseason and force a Game 7 in the Final despite trailing the series 3-1 at one point. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl typically respond with Herculean efforts following playoff losses, and neither will go down without a fight. The team likely seeks to channel the sting of last year’s loss for motivation here as they stare down the end of the season, but they’ll have to match the Panthers’ intensity to have a chance at extending the series tonight.
Still, the Ice Cats are just the better team. They’re deeper, especially on the third and fourth lines, and that depth has proven crucial this series as they kept pace with a high-scoring Oilers offense. Florida’s defense makes all the difference though, and in front of their home fans, I strongly believe they close the series out and hoist the Stanley Cup tonight. Vamos Gatos, anyone?
For those uncomfortable picking against Edmonton, the over looks like a compelling option as well since it’s cashed in all five games of this series.
