The road to becoming Stanley Cup winners is one of the toughest challenges in sports. Each year, NHL teams battle through grueling playoff series, all with the hope of lifting hockey’s ultimate trophy. As the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs reach the conference finals, only four contenders remain, each with a shot at glory.

The Final Four: Who Will Join the List of Stanley Cup Winners?

This season's race for the Cup has been thrilling. The Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Florida Panthers are the remaining contenders, each with compelling stories. Defending champion Florida hopes to secure back-to-back titles, while the Stars and Oilers look to take the next step after recent deep runs. Carolina rounds out the quartet, eager to recapture their 2006 magic.

According to NHL.com’s conference finals preview, the Stars and Panthers are favored by many experts to advance. However, all four clubs have strengths that could propel them to become the next Stanley Cup winners.

Team-By-Team Breakdown

Dallas Stars

The Stars have displayed impressive depth and consistency this postseason. Goaltender Jake Oettinger anchors the team, making huge saves in clutch moments. With new talent like Mikko Rantanen leading the way, Dallas’s adaptability and experience put them in a strong position, according to playoff analysts from ESPN.

Edmonton Oilers

Built around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers combine offensive firepower with a maturing defensive core. After an early goalie swap in the playoffs, the Oilers found newfound stability in net, making them dangerous contenders for the Cup.

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina shines with suffocating team defense and top-tier goaltending from Frederik Andersen. They excel at limiting high-danger chances, and their balanced attack makes them a tough out for any opponent. As noted in The Athletic’s playoff predictions, Andersen’s stellar play is a major X-factor.

Florida Panthers

Last year’s champions are aiming for a rare repeat. Led by goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and a deep roster, the Panthers have shown resilience, thriving under postseason pressure. With experience and talent up and down their lineup, Florida remains a popular pick among fans and writers alike, as highlighted in NHL.com’s expert picks.

Expert Predictions: Who Will Become This Year’s Stanley Cup Winners?

There is no clear consensus among hockey insiders, but the most recent polls from The Athletic give the edge to the Dallas Stars and the Florida Panthers to make the final. In terms of individual accolades, Stars forward Mikko Rantanen and Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky top the Conn Smythe predictions for playoff MVP.

NHL.com’s writers also overwhelmingly favor Dallas and Florida for a championship showdown. However, upsets are common in NHL playoffs. With elite goaltending and clutch scoring across the board, any of the four could soon join the storied ranks of Stanley Cup winners.

What Makes a Stanley Cup Winner?

Winning the Stanley Cup means more than skill or star power—it is about resilience, chemistry, and the ability to seize big moments. The teams left in the 2025 playoffs all share these traits, making this year’s battle even more unpredictable.

Final Thoughts: Follow the Journey to the Cup

As the remaining teams chase their dreams of becoming Stanley Cup winners, fans can expect drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. Stay updated with detailed playoff analyses from leading sources like NHL.com, ESPN, and The Athletic throughout the playoffs.

Who will skate their way into history as this year’s Stanley Cup winners? Only time, heart, and hard work will decide. Don’t miss a moment of the action!