NHL: Preseason-Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Don Cherry makes his Stanley Cup Final winner prediction after 1-1 tie heading into Game 3 - Source: Imagn

Canadian legend Don Cherry makes his Stanley Cup Final winner prediction after 1-1 tie heading into Game 3

Modified Jun 09, 2025 18:22 GMT

Canadian hockey legend Don Cherry has made his prediction for Stanley Cup Final Game 3 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

The two teams are battling for the second straight season in the championship series. Last year, the Panthers prevailed after defeating the Oilers in a nail-biting Game 7. This time, the series features a head-to-head battle, both teams giving their all in a back-and-forth struggle.

The Oilers clinched Game 1 with a 4-3 overtime win. The Panthers bounced back with a 5-4 double-overtime victory in Game 2.

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On Sunday's episode of his "Grapevine" podcast, Don Cherry shared his prediction before Monday night's Game 3.

"Well, I’m picking Edmonton for the series, but I think Florida comes out smoking in the next game," Cherry said.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final began with the Edmonton Oilers having home-ice advantage, hosting the first two games at Rogers Place. The series now shifts to Florida, with the next two matchups taking place at Amerant Bank Arena.

Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, with the puck drop set for 8 p.m. ET.

Don Cherry's son Tom predicts the winner of the Oilers-Panthers Game 3

Don Cherry's son, Tom, also made his prediction for the winner of Game 3 between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. While Don gave the edge to the Panthers in the next game, Tom believes the Oilers will deliver a strong performance, similar to the Cats.

"I think Edmonton's gonna come out smoking, too," Tom said. "As you always say, Dad, the team gets home, they're back with the whole family - not as mentally prepared."

Notably, Game 2 marked the 23rd double overtime in Stanley Cup Final history, and the Edmonton Oilers lost for the first time both this postseason and in their Cup Final history in such a scenario.

Overall, it was the sixth final in NHL history to require overtime in both Games 1 and 2.

Also Read: Don Cherry names the team he's sticking with in Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup rematch

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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