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Oilers Coach Points 'Biggest Change' Between 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup Final

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 7:07 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year, a feat accomplished by just a handful of teams in the past four decades.

This time, they will face the same opponent, the Florida Panthers, in one of the rare Cup Final rematches in modern NHL history and the first one since the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings fought each other in 2008 and 2009.

Twelve months ago, the Oilers fell behind 3–0 in the series before clawing back to force a Game 7.

Florida ultimately won the title after failing to do so in their second trip to the Stanley Cup Final one year earlier.

Coach Knoblauch spoke with the media today about Ekholm's return, the #Oilers depth on defence, the mood around the team heading into the Stanley Cup rematch, coaching in his second playoffs & more.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/6NHa3a8Y3c
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 2, 2025

Now, as Game 1 approaches, the Oilers return with a more seasoned roster and coaching staff.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch addressed reporters on Monday, making it clear which is the biggest change between the 2024 and 2025 finals.

"We have a different mood," Knoblauch said. "Last year, we did not know what to expect. The biggest change is (that) we have been here before. We know what to expect. We’ve seen this team before. We’re accustomed to it."

Knoblauch added that the ability to reset between games is critical at this stage of the season.

"Most importantly, just being able to reset after a game, no matter how that game went," Knoblauch said.

The Oilers' coach also emphasized that experience is helping his players stay focused this year, contrary to what happened last season, as they went down three games before mounting a near-full comeback.

"I think we’ve done a good job of just putting that behind us," Knoblauch said. "We’ve had some heartbreaking losses these playoffs. I think we handled those very well."

The Stanley Cup Final starts on Wednesday, with Game 1 taking place in Edmonton and set for puck drop at 8 p.m. ET.

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

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