The stage is officially set for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final. The Edmonton Oilers secured their place by eliminating the Dallas Stars with a 6-3 victory in the Western Conference Final on Thursday. This victory leads to a compelling rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.
In the 2024 Final, the Panthers ultimately prevailed over the Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series to claim their first-ever Stanley Cup. Florida initially took a commanding three-game lead, outscoring Edmonton 11-4 in those contests. However, the Oilers mounted a remarkable comeback to force a decisive Game 7 before the Panthers secured the series win.
This upcoming series between Edmonton and Florida marks a rare occurrence: the fifth time in the NHL`s expansion era (since 1967) that the same two teams have met in the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years. Below, we delve into the history of the four previous instances of consecutive Stanley Cup Final rematches over the past six decades.
Canadiens vs. Blues (1968-69)
The Montreal Canadiens dominated the NHL during the 1960s and 1970s, hoisting the Stanley Cup an impressive 11 times in those two decades, including consecutive championships in 1968 and 1969. In 1968, the Canadiens swept the St. Louis Blues in four games. Remarkably, all four games were decided by a single goal. Despite the sweep, Blues goaltender Glenn Hall earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, posting a 2.75 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. Hall is one of only six players in NHL history to win the award while on the losing team.
In 1969, the Canadiens again defeated the Blues in four games, though this series was far less competitive. Montreal outscored St. Louis 12-3 across the four contests, with the Blues failing to score multiple goals in any game. Canadiens defenseman Serge Savard was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for his playoff performance, registering four goals and six assists that year. This marked the Canadiens` fourth Stanley Cup victory in five seasons.
Canadiens vs. Bruins (1977-78)
The Canadiens returned to prominence in the late 1970s, winning consecutive Stanley Cups. Montreal swept the Boston Bruins in the 1977 Final, starting the series with a dominant seven-goal performance in Game 1. Montreal totaled 16 goals in the series, winning three of the four games by multiple goals. Legendary forward Guy Lafleur earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, tallying two goals and seven assists in the 1977 Stanley Cup Final.
When the teams met again in 1978, the Bruins offered more resistance. After Montreal won the first two games, Boston exploded offensively in Games 3 and 4, scoring eight goals to tie the series. However, Montreal successfully weathered the Bruins` surge, outscoring them 8-2 over the final two games to secure the championship. Canadiens defenseman Larry Robinson won the Conn Smythe Trophy, accumulating four goals and 17 assists throughout the playoffs, including two goals and four assists in the Final.
Oilers vs. Islanders (1983-84)
The 1980s saw a battle for supremacy between the New York Islanders and the Edmonton Oilers, culminating in back-to-back Stanley Cup Final matchups. The rivalry began in the 1983 Final, where the Islanders completed a four-game sweep. New York outscored Edmonton 17-6 in the series, scoring at least five goals in two contests. Islanders goaltender Billy Smith was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for his exceptional playoff run, posting a 13-3-0 record and allowing only six total goals during the Stanley Cup Final.
The script flipped dramatically in the 1984 Stanley Cup Final. This time, the Oilers asserted their dominance, defeating New York in five games. The teams split the opening two games, with the Oilers managing only two total goals. However, Edmonton`s offense ignited thereafter, scoring at least five goals in each of the final three games. Oilers superstar Mark Messier earned the Conn Smythe Trophy, recording eight goals and 18 assists during the postseason, including three goals and an assist in the Stanley Cup Final.
Penguins vs. Red Wings (2008-09)
The most recent consecutive Stanley Cup Final rematch occurred in 2008 and 2009 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings. In 2008, the Red Wings were a dominant force, winning the Presidents` Trophy with 115 regular-season points. Detroit started the Final by outscoring Pittsburgh 7-0 in the first two games. While Pittsburgh won a game at home and secured a triple-overtime victory to force Game 6, Detroit ultimately proved too strong. Red Wings winger Henrik Zetterberg won the Conn Smythe Trophy, tallying 13 goals and 14 assists in the playoffs, including two goals and four assists in the Stanley Cup Final.
The 2009 Stanley Cup Final was a classic. Again, the Red Wings took the first two games, but the Penguins made crucial adjustments. Pittsburgh won four of the final five games, including a dramatic 2-1 victory in Game 7 powered by Max Talbot`s two goals, securing their first Stanley Cup since 1992. Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for his outstanding playoff performance, scoring 14 goals and 22 assists, including two goals and six assists in the Stanley Cup Final.
