As the 2025 Stanley Cup final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers approaches, both teams have already secured a remarkable achievement. They’ve each played more postseason games than any other team in the league since the NHL returned to its regular playoff format in the 2021-22 season. This speaks to their consistent success in the postseason over the past few years, making them two of the league’s most competitive teams.
The Struggles of Other NHL Teams
While the Panthers and Oilers have thrived, other teams have faced much more difficulty. Over the last four seasons, eight teams have missed the playoffs entirely, while three others have made it to just one postseason series. These 11 teams make up more than a third of the league, highlighting the disparity in performance between the league’s top contenders and those who’ve struggled to make an impact.
The Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes: Solid Performances, but Questions Remain
While both the Panthers and Oilers have been playoff staples, the Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes have also made notable appearances in the postseason, though with some lingering questions about their future.
- Dallas Stars
The Stars, who were eliminated in dramatic fashion during the recent postseason, still find themselves in a strong position. They’ve consistently reached the playoffs, but a recent flameout in the playoffs has raised concerns about the team’s leadership and future direction. Despite this, Dallas owner Tom Gaglardi backed coach Peter DeBoer after the early exit, emphasizing the value of keeping a seasoned coach despite frustrations with a dramatic playoff loss. DeBoer, who has reached the Stanley Cup final before, remains a key figure for the team. However, the Stars face a difficult crossroads. With limited cap space and several key players nearing free agency, including longtime captain Jamie Benn, Dallas’ ability to make moves to improve the team is limited. The Stars will need to decide whether to commit to aging veterans like Benn or make significant changes to reshape the roster for future success. - Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes, who saw a significant roster overhaul in 2023-24, were expected to face struggles in the postseason. Yet, they managed to surprise many, pushing through to the conference finals despite losing key players during the offseason. Coach Rod Brind’Amour even admitted he didn’t expect the team to make the playoffs following the changes. But they defied expectations, even snapping their long conference final losing streak with a victory over the Panthers in Game 4. Carolina remains a strong team and continues to build on its success in recent years, with three conference final appearances since their return to the playoffs in 2019. Despite the challenges, they’re poised for continued success with a solid roster and cap space available to make additional moves. The Hurricanes will aim to avoid backsliding and continue building on their momentum, making another push for the Cup in the seasons ahead.
The Importance of Consistent Playoff Appearances
For the Panthers and Oilers, consistent playoff appearances are key to maintaining a competitive edge in the league. Regular postseason success not only attracts new talent but also generates revenue through playoff gate sales and merchandise, which is a major plus for team owners. The long playoff runs also boost the reputation of a team, making them a more attractive option for free agents and players looking for championship contention.
The Stars and Hurricanes, despite facing challenges, have also managed to maintain competitive positions within the league. For Dallas, the ability to address key roster questions and manage salary cap constraints will be crucial. For Carolina, the upcoming offseason offers an opportunity to further solidify their roster and make another Cup push.
Looking Ahead: The Future for These Teams
As the season draws to a close, the focus for the Panthers, Oilers, Stars, and Hurricanes will be to build on their playoff experiences. While some teams face significant questions about their future direction, others, like Florida and Edmonton, have established themselves as top contenders. The NHL’s increasing salary cap ceiling will provide more flexibility for teams to build strong rosters, and teams like Carolina and Dallas will have the chance to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention.
For now, the Panthers and Oilers stand as the two teams to watch in the 2025 Stanley Cup final, but the Stars and Hurricanes have shown that they’re still formidable opponents and will be looking to bounce back stronger in future seasons.
