2025 Stanley Cup anthem drama: Oilers stick with tradition as Panthers face backlash over botched performance

As the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers prepare to battle for the 2025 Stanley Cup, a quieter but deeply symbolic tradition takes center stage before the puck even drops: the national anthems.

With teams from both Canada and the U.S. vying for hockey’s highest honor, the dual performances of “O Canada” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” set the emotional tone—and fan expectations are sky-high.

Robert Clark leads Rogers Place with a people-first performance that stirs emotion and unity

For the first two games in Edmonton, longtime anthem performer Robert Clark will once again step into the stands, not the spotlight. This marks his 12th season with the Oilers, and he’s earned respect not just for his vocal prowess but for turning the anthem into a shared fan experience.“When we first started doing it in 2017, we came together and thought that this would be an awesome tribute, but also let’s make it our own and put me in the crowd,” Clark told The Edmonton Journal. And while Canadian protocol usually puts “O Canada” first, Clark sings the U.S. anthem before Canada’s—energizing the crowd with each note. Oilers forward Evander Kane noted, “A Canadian crowd always has a little extra energy and buzz, and the anthem’s the last thing before the puck drops… He does a great job doing that.

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Panthers face anthem backlash as fans await confirmation of this year’s singer

Things are murkier in Florida, where the Game 3 anthem singer remains a mystery. After backlash from fans over The Voice Season 27 winner Adam David’s underwhelming playoff performance, the pressure is on. His slow tempo and unclear lyrics drew criticism and frustration during a crucial Eastern Conference Final matchup.With past performances by talents like Alanis Morissette and Brooke Alexx still fresh in fans’ minds, the bar is high. Will the Panthers opt for redemption with a powerhouse vocalist like Pranysqa Mishra or VËR, or gamble on a new face?Also Read: “A beautiful beginning”: Connor McDavid shows unwavering support for wife Lauren Kyle’s Trove Living launch before NHL FinalsAs anthem tradition clashes with modern performance expectations, one thing is clear: this year’s singers could set the emotional temperature for the Finals—before a single shot is taken.