NHL Conference Finals Feature Repeat Contenders Panthers, Hurricanes, Stars, Oilers

The 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have reached the conference finals, featuring a familiar set of teams known for their sustained success in recent years: the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers in the West, and the defending champion Florida Panthers facing the Carolina Hurricanes in the East. Despite some early-round upsets, the Final Four are teams that have consistently contended, with all four having appeared in conference finals previously and none having won their divisions this season. The Western Conference Finals is a rematch between the Oilers and Stars, both aiming to advance to the Stanley Cup Final after previous near misses, with star players like Connor McDavid and Mikko Rantanen leading the charge. In the East, the Panthers and Hurricanes meet again, with Carolina benefiting from relative rest and strong defensive play, while Florida seeks to defend its title after learning from last year's Finals loss. Analysts note that the balance among these teams is exceptionally close, with odds nearly resembling a coin flip, reflecting the NHL’s inherent unpredictability and the high competitiveness of this playoff stage. Key factors such as goaltending, physical resilience, and playoff experience will likely determine who moves forward to compete for the Stanley Cup.