Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final starts Wednesday, as multiple players look to extend Game One scoring streaks

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final begins Wednesday between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, a rematch of last year’s opener, in which the Cats edged out a 3–0 victory on their way to their franchise's first Stanley Cup. In their last seven series-opening games, the Panthers are 5–2 while the Oilers are 3–4 over the same span.

It’s shaping up to be a tightly contested opener, with everything on the line. The Panthers will aim to strike first once again, while the Oilers are focused on redemption and starting this year’s Final on a stronger note than last season. 

History favors a fast start as teams that win Game One of the Stanley Cup Final have captured the series 64 out of 84 times, a success rate of roughly 76.2 per cent. When that opening win comes on home ice, the odds jump even higher to 51 out of 61, or about 83.6 per cent.

When considering bets for game of the series, here’s how the key players have performed in recent Game Ones over the last two postseasons:

All betting lines are from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

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Barkov’s Steady Setup Game

Aleksander Barkov has made a habit of quietly creating in Game Ones. He’s totaled eight assists in his last seven series openers—three this postseason and five last year. While not flashy, his playmaking has been a steady launching point for Florida’s early-series momentum.

Game One Pick: Barkov Over 0.5 assists (-110) 

Bennett Arrives Early

Sam Bennett is a Game One sniper. The physical forward has goals in three straight series openers and has lit the lamp in four of Florida’s last five. With four goals and two assists over those five contests, Bennett has become a reliable first-strike threat for the Panthers.

Game One Pick: Bennett anytime goal (+280)

Tkachuk Still Strong

Injured or not, Matthew Tkachuk finds a way to deliver when the series begins. He’s notched five goals and five assists in his last seven Game Ones, including two goals and three assists across three opening games this postseason. His spark in Game One sets the emotional tone for Florida’s roster.

Game One Pick: Tkachuk Over 0.5 assists (+100)

Luostarinen Lurks

Eetu Luostarinen may not headline the Panthers’ attack, but he’s been quietly lethal in Game Ones. He’s scored in three of Florida’s last four series openers, including the critical first tally in last year’s Cup Final against Edmonton.

Game One Pick: Luostarinen anytime goal (+650)

Verhaeghe Produces

Carter Verhaeghe is another consistent Game One contributor. He scored in last year’s Cup Final opener and has four goals and five assists over his last seven series-opening games. This postseason, he’s tallied one goal and four assists in three Game Ones, showcasing his knack for timely production.

Game One Pick: Verhaeghe Over 0.5 points (-120)

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McDavid Dishes

Connor McDavid isn’t just fast—he’s first-game fantastic. He’s posted two goals and 14 assists over his last seven Game Ones, including a goal and seven helpers in three openers this postseason. Outside of last year’s Cup Final shutout loss, he’s recorded a point in every other series opener.

Game One Pick: McDavid Over 1.5 points (-102)

Draisaitl Gets It Done

Leon Draisaitl has been Mr. Reliable in Game Ones. With a goal and an assist in each of his three openers this postseason, he brings five goals and seven assists in his last seven Game Ones. Only twice in that span has he been held without a goal to start a series.

Game One Pick: Draisaitl anytime goal (+115)

Nugent-Hopkins Quietly Contributes 

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins brings quiet consistency to the Oilers’ top six. He’s posted two goals and five assists across his last seven series openers, including a goal and two assists this postseason. He’s picked up points in five of those seven contests, making him a dependable early contributor.

Game One Pick: Nugent-Hopkins Over 0.5 points (-158) 

Bouchard Drives Surprising Offense From Blueline

Evan Bouchard’s point-per-game production doesn’t take a night off in Game Ones. The defenseman has 12 points in his last seven series-opening games, including a goal and five assists in three openers this year. His only miss? Last year’s shutout loss to Florida—just like McDavid and Draisaitl.

Game One Pick: Bouchard Over 0.5 points (-154)

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