Don Cherry Doubles Down on His Stanley Cup Final Prediction originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is already underway and a tight affair, as most fans and analysts predicted, with both teams having one win as the finals shift to Sunrise, FL, for Games 3 and 4.
Advertisement
The rematch between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers saw the latter win Game 1 and the former steal home-ice advantage in Game 2, one year after Florida defeated Edmonton in seven games.
Legendary NHL coach and broadcaster Don Cherry reaffirmed his thoughts on who will win the Cup a week ago, but with two games already in the books, he was asked once again about it and whether or not his view of that choice has changed.
Don’s son, Tim Cherry, asked his dad one more time, on Episode 311 of “The Don Cherry’s Grapevine Podcast,” about his pick for the Stanley Cup.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) reacts after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers in the third period in game one of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
“We’re just gonna say it again,” Tim said. “You’re picking Florida for Game 3, but on the series, you’re picking Edmonton, right?”
Advertisement
Don didn’t hesitate in declaring his favorite to hoist the trophy when all was said and done.
“Well, I’m picking Edmonton.”
Edmonton’s blue line could see changes for Game 3, with new pairings tested at practice. Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is also a game-time decision after missing practice on Sunday.
“Through Games 1 and 2, we’ve made some changes, and throughout the rest of the series, there’ll be some more,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said on Sunday.
Cherry isn’t confident in an Oilers win for Game 3, picking the Panthers for Monday’s contest while saying Florida will “come out smoking.”
Advertisement
“I think Florida will come out just smoking, just smoking,” Cherry said. “You never know, though.”
Related: Don Cherry Doubles Down on Stanley Cup Final Winner Pick
Related: Oilers Coach Sends Clear Message on Stuart Skinner After Game 2 Loss
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.