by Kaitlyn Rey

As the Stanley Cup Finals quickly approach and the Panthers and Oilers get set for a rematch of last year’s finals, here is a recap of the previous rounds and what led up to a 2024 cup final rematch.

Round 2:

The Florida Panthers advanced in 6 games against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Panthers were able to overcome being down 2-0 in the beginning of the series. Sam Reinhart set a franchise record for the most assists (4) in a single postseason game. 

The Carolina Hurricanes are on the way to the conference final after defeating the Washington Capitals with a 4-2 series win. 

Despite the Edmonton Oilers being without their left wing Zach Hyman they were still able to defeat the Dallas Stars in 6. 

The Vegas Golden Knights advanced in 5 against the Winnipeg Jets. 

Conference Final:

The Panthers dominated the Hurricanes in the first three games but were set back in game 4 after a 3-0 shutout loss. In game 5 Carter Verhaeghe scored the series winning goal leading Florida to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. 

The Oilers defeated the Golden Knights in five games advancing them to the final to face the Panthers a second time.

Stanley Cup Final:

The Oilers and Panthers will face off again in the cup final following their 7 game series last year. The Panthers are looking to keep the cup in Florida while the Oilers are hoping to receive their 6th NHL title and first since 1990. If the Oilers win this will be the first time a Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup in 31 years.