In the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers were defeated by the Florida Panthers with a 5-1 loss in Game 6, extending Canada’s Stanley Cup drought to over three decades. Despite Connor McDavid’s exceptional performance—matching Leon Draisaitl’s 33 playoff points—the Oilers struggled to overcome Florida’s aggressive forecheck, ultimately falling short of capturing the championship for the second consecutive year.
Connor McDavid Expresses Disappointment After Game 6 Defeat
Following the decisive game, Connor McDavid acknowledged the Panthers as a “very good team” and reflected on the challenge his team faced throughout the series. He expressed frustration about the Oilers’ inability to generate consistent momentum against Florida’s relentless pressure.
“I lost to a very good team. Nobody quit, nobody threw the towel in, and they’re a heck of a team, you know? Stanley Cup back-to-back champions for a reason. They tilted the rink, they were able to kind of stay on top of us all over the place. Um, never really able to generate any momentum up the ice. You know we kept trying the same thing over and over again.. just banging our heads against the wall,” —Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers captain
Heartfelt Reflection from Mattias Ekholm’s Wife Resonates with Fans
In the wake of the loss, Ida Ekholm, wife of Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm, took to Instagram to share a thoughtful message that resonated deeply with fans and players alike. Understanding the emotional weight hockey carries for Canadians, she expressed support for the city of Edmonton, acknowledging the heartbreak experienced by both the team and their supporters amid the playoffs’ intense demands.
“I know how much hockey means to the Canadian people, and I understand that the people in Edmonton are heartbroken today, including our family. Throughout the playoffs, there are many things happening behind the scenes. Boundaries are being pushed in the most demanding way, both physically and mentally. For the players and their families, everything is about maximizing the chances of winning.” —Ida Ekholm, wife of Mattias Ekholm
Emphasizing Resilience and Gratitude Amid Challenges
Ida’s message emphasized love and shared responsibility, encouraging a positive outlook despite criticism directed at players and their families. She highlighted the achievement of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back years as a testament to the Oilers’ strength, reminding fans about the importance of recognizing the team’s efforts rather than focusing solely on the disappointment.
“For two years in a row, we have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Oilers are the second-best hockey team in the world, and we have fans who support this team in both good times and bad. There is so much to be proud of and thankful for. As much as it hurts when you lose, this is a journey we will look back on one day, reflecting on the highs and lows and understanding that everything made sense.” —Ida Ekholm, wife of Mattias Ekholm
Shared Pain and the Bigger Picture Behind the Stanley Cup Journey
Ekholm’s message resonated by capturing the collective sorrow felt throughout Edmonton and across Canada. She framed this loss not just as a defeat, but as part of a meaningful process that will gain clarity with time. The message underscored the hard work, emotional commitment, and unity driving the Oilers and their supporters, stressing that both triumphs and setbacks contribute to the overall experience.
Looking Forward: Hope and Persistence for Edmonton Oilers and Fans
The back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals demonstrate Edmonton’s status as one of the world’s top hockey teams, while the emotional responses from players and their families reveal the deep investment behind the scenes. Connor McDavid’s emotional message to Edmonton fans echoes the wider sentiment of perseverance and pride despite the pain of losing. As the Oilers and their supporters begin to recover, the focus will likely turn toward building on this foundation in hopes of finally ending Canada’s long Stanley Cup drought.