**Florida and Edmonton Set for Stanley Cup Final Rematch**

The highly anticipated rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers is set to begin Wednesday at Rogers Place. This year's series opener marks only the 12th time in Stanley Cup history that the same teams have faced each other in back-to-back finals. The Panthers secured their first Stanley Cup championship last year, narrowly defeating the Oilers in a seven-game thriller.

Starting in Edmonton this year, thanks to the Oilers' 101-point regular season—three points more than the Panthers—this series promises to be as intense as ever. “We know the routine, we know the opponent,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, noting the familiarity and confidence stemming from their previous encounter. Despite the familiarity, both teams are aware of the improvements and strengths they bring into this year's rematch.

Last season, Florida had home-ice advantage and started strong, winning the first two games at Amerant Bank Arena and Game 3 on the road. Edmonton, however, responded with victories in Games 4, 5, and 6, before Florida claimed the championship with a decisive 2-1 win in Game 7. This year, Edmonton boasts a 6-1 home playoff record, while Florida has excelled on the road with an 8-2 mark.

Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues highlighted their steady approach: “We don't let the crowd affect us. We do the same things over and over and over again for 60 minutes.” Despite their solid performance, forward Matthew Tkachuk considers the team underdogs as they start the series on the road.

Both teams bring back a strong contingent of returning players with championship experience. Florida will see 14 players from last year’s final return to the ice, all of whom are expected to play on Wednesday. Edmonton will have 13 of their 16 returnees in the lineup, with notable absences including forward Zach Hyman due to a dislocated wrist and forward Derek Ryan as a healthy scratch.

Edmonton’s offense continues to be spearheaded by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have amassed 26 and 25 points respectively in the playoffs. Defenseman Evan Bouchard also stands out with a leading tally among defensemen in goals, assists, and points. Meanwhile, the Panthers have displayed formidable road playoff performance, particularly with a plus-27 goal differential in their 10 road games.

As Game 1 approaches, a critical question remains regarding the performance of Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner, whose fluctuating save percentages in past Game 1s have been a point of concern.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice underscored the contrasting strengths of both teams, while emphasizing the defensive prowess of his squad and the offensive capabilities of the Oilers. For Edmonton, the opportunity to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada after more than three decades adds a layer of significance to their campaign.

The stage is set for an exciting and intense rematch between two well-acquainted rivals, with both teams determined to secure their place in hockey history. The victor of Game 1 will undoubtedly gain a crucial advantage as history favors the team winning the first game to ultimately claim the Stanley Cup.