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Evander Kane Flags Oilers 'Narrative' Before Panthers Rematch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 6:52 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Florida Panthers for the second straight year.

Last season’s matchup ended in heartbreak, as the Oilers nearly pulled off an unimaginable comeback but ultimately fell in seven games after digging themselves into a 3–0 hole.

Now, with a rematch on the horizon, forward Evander Kane says the team is more complete. So much so that Kane took issue with the idea that the Oilers are simply a good offensive team.

Speaking to reporters on Monday ahead of Game 1, Kane said the Oilers are capable of matching any style, brushing off the "narrative" of the team just being a good offensive squad with nothing else to offer on the ice.

"It's nice to be feeling good at this time of the year. Really excited to get going on Wednesday... It's fun to be a part of it & not have any question marks."

Evander Kane on being healthy this time around in the Stanley Cup Final.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/mKOcdzc7ja
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 2, 2025

"I think the way we’ve been looked at by a lot of people outside the room is, we’re this offensive team," Kane said. "And I think we’ve started to, maybe, change that narrative a little bit.

"Obviously, we can score goals and are a great offensive team, but we can also lock things down."

Kane said the Oilers' identity is broader than what outsiders might think of the team, expanding on the explanation of his view.

"We can also be hard to play against in the D zone," Kane said. "We can play a physical brand of hockey. We can play an in-your-face brand of hockey.

"Whatever game you want, we can give you. So we’re going to play our game, and we’re looking forward to that challenge."

Judging by Kane's words, the Oilers are also aware that their slow start last year cost them the series and aim to fix that this year.

"I think both teams know this will be the toughest test they’ve faced this year," Kane said. "Both teams are very good, and we know what they bring. We need a better start than last year."

Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Oilers and Panthers is scheduled for Wednesday night in Edmonton, with puck drop at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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