Four teams remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs means four possible Cup Final matchups. But which would be most entertaining?
No series would be entirely dull, but there are certainly some that project to be more thrilling than others. There are cases to be made for each matchup, so here's our ranking of the best possible options for the neutral fan.
4. Panthers vs. Stars
These are arguably the two best teams remaining. Each loaded up prior to the deadline, with the Stars netting Mikko Rantanen and the Panthers adding Brad Marchand and Seth Jones. So why does this one come in at No. 4?
There's just something missing. These teams lack history and prestige. There's no particularly compelling storyline. Both clubs carry significant financial advantages by playing in income tax-free states, which could bother some fans. It's also hard to imagine there are many people outside of Florida rooting for back-to-back Panthers championships. The hockey would likely be good, but there are better options.
3. Hurricanes vs. Stars
National television rights holders likely wouldn't be overly pleased with this matchup. At a glance, a Carolina-Dallas final doesn't have a lot of appeal to it, either. But the narrative of Rantanen squaring off against another former team (even though he only played 13 games in Carolina) is enough to keep it out of the basement.
Rantanen already faced one of his former teams this postseason when the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche in seven games in what was the best series of Round 1. Rantanen made the Avs pay, piling up 12 points, including an epic hat trick in Game 7. Completing the revenge tour could make it a legacy-defining spring for Rantanen. On the other hand, Logan Stankoven - the centerpiece of the return for Rantanen - delivering big moments en route to a Carolina victory would make for a heck of a story in its own right.
2. Hurricanes vs. Oilers
Anyone up for a 2006 Cup Final rematch?
The Hurricanes may be accused of playing boring hockey, but the same can't be said of the Oilers. Edmonton is arguably the most exciting team in hockey with two of the world's top five players in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both of whom have another gear when the stakes are highest. The Oilers' sometimes iffy goaltending can also make for occasional high-scoring games.
The prospect of the Oilers becoming the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup since the 1993 Montreal Canadiens may also raise the interest of any series involving them, as would the idea of McDavid cementing his legacy as an all-time great (top five already?) with a Stanley Cup ring.
1. Panthers vs. Oilers
There could be some viewer fatigue associated with seeing the Panthers compete in a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final and face the Oilers for a second straight year. But let's face it, the 2024 Stanley Cup Final delivered, and a rematch could be just as epic.
The Panthers took a commanding 3-0 series lead last year. Everyone thought it was over, except the Oilers, who clawed back to force a winner-take-all Game 7, which the Panthers won in a 2-1 nail-biter. Would Edmonton get its revenge, or would Florida establish itself as a legitimate dynasty? Either way, the entertainment would likely be off the charts.
