Wayne Gretzky Predicts 2025 Stanley Cup Final Matchup

But now, "The Great One" is switching things up. He’s still riding with the Oilers in the West, but he’s now picking the Tampa Bay Lightning to come out of the East.

Things got playful when Paul Bissonnette changed his Western Conference pick from Gretzky’s Oilers to the Avalanche. Gretzky responded, saying he’s officially off Bissonnette’s Maple Leafs. Gretzky then went on to explain his decision to have Tampa over Toronto, a potential second-round matchup if both teams advance.

"Because I just think Tampa Bay is a better team right now," Gretzky said. "And I think going in, they're under less pressure and less of a microscope than Toronto. I think it's going to be a great series, Toronto-Tampa Bay, in the semifinal. But I got Edmonton and Tampa Bay in the final."

While Tampa Bay has been a popular pick to come out of the East among fans and analysts, the Lightning may have drawn the toughest first-round matchup of any team. They’ll go head-to-head with the reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers, who are also two-time defending Eastern Conference champs.

Florida finished third in the Atlantic Division, but they’re heading into the postseason with a fully healthy lineup for the first time since the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. Game 1 is also likely to mark the first time Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand are on the bench together.

On the other side, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed Saturday that forward Oliver Bjorkstrand will be out for the entire series. The Lightning landed Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken at the NHL trade deadline.

Game 1 between the Lightning and Panthers is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. And for the Oilers, they'll get their first-round playoff series started on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings. Puck drop in that one is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.