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Don Cherry Shocks Fans With Bold Stanley Cup Final Prediction as He Doubles Down

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 12:40 PM ET

Don Cherry had initially picked the Oilers as Stanley Cup winners, and when he was asked by his son Tim if he wanted to change his mind, he said absolutely not.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final brings us an interesting rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers, one year after Florida defeated Edmonton in a series of seven games to claim its first championship in history.

This is the NHL's first finals rematch since 2009, when the Pittsburgh Penguins avenged their previous year's loss at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings. Now, everyone is waiting to see if history is to be repeated.

Don Cherry picked the Oilers to win the Cup way back in September, and sticks by it

One of the predictors of the series is the legendary NHL coach and commentator Don Cherry. Speaking on Episode 310 of the 'Don Cherry Grapevine Podcast', Cherry reaffirmed his preseason forecast that Edmonton will be the victor this time.

'I'm still sticking with Edmonton,' Cherry said without hesitation when his son, Tim, asked to revisit his pick for the potential finals winner.

Yes, Cherry knew and picked Edmonton from way back in September. Although Edmonton lost both of their regular-season games against Florida, Cherry still had faith.

Even when put under pressure by his son and co-host, Tim Cherry, regarding the goalie duel, meaning Sergei Bobrovsky is a better option than Stuart Skinner, Don remained firm.

'Skinner's playing just as good,' Tim Cherry said about the Oilers netminder compared to Bobrovsky's postseason run. 'Whether he'll do it in the finals, we'll see.'

Tim did say that Florida most likely won't be physically strong enough to overpower Edmonton like they have in past playoff series against Toronto and Carolina. On that point, he concurred with his dad, giving credit to the Oilers for being tough.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is Wednesday at 6 p.m. MT at Rogers Place.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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