Panthers confident they can win third consecutive Stanley Cup in 2025-26

If there’s one team that has quickly become one of the biggest thorns in the Edmonton Oilers’ side over the past few years, it’s the Florida Panthers.

The Oilers have now managed two consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, but both times were held back by the big, bad Panthers. And if Edmonton can fight their way back through the Western Conference again this year, they can’t count out having to face a hungry Florida team for a third consecutive season.

Panthers’ stars Aaron Ekblad and Carter Verhaeghe joined Good Morning America on Friday to discuss the upcoming season, including that their goal ultimately remains the same as the last two years, and they’re not afraid to say it.

“We thought about winning it for a second straight year last year, too, so I am not going to think any differently this time around,” Ekblad said. “We don’t think that thinking or talking about winning the Cup again is jinxing anything. I am preparing for the marathon that is an NHL season and the playoffs. I am preparing for it like another season.”

The trademarked unwavering confidence of this Panthers squad has been both one of their greatest strengths and perhaps one of their most annoying qualities throughout their two Cup wins, as they have often planned their parade before clinching the title. This kind of arrogance is frustrating to see for other teams chasing the same success, but they haven’t yet burned the Panthers.

“We have won the Stanley Cup twice and we still have a long window to win more,” Ekblad said. “Whether it is or isn’t next year, it is just as likely the following year. And the year after that, and the year after that. It’s really cool to be in this position.”

One thing is clear from Florida’s moves and attitude this offseason: the Panthers aren’t going anywhere. For them to three-peat would be no easy feat, but if Edmonton hopes to find their way to the Cup Final for a third straight year, it’s safe to assume that the Panthers are a likely opponent to be waiting for them from the East. With that in mind, the Oilers have to be ready to build a tougher, more resilient squad this season that can perform deep into the playoffs in order to reach that ultimate glory.