Can Wayne Gretzky’s secret to NHL success help decide the Stanley Cup Final between Oilers and Panthers?

The Edmonton Oilers are riding high after a thrilling overtime victory in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. With that gritty win, they’ve seized early momentum and taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the series.

While both teams have seen changes in their rosters since last season, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky believes their success stems from something far more powerful than stats or signings—team chemistry.

How could Wayne Gretzky’s secret to team success reshape the battle between the Oilers and Panthers?

Wayne Gretzky, who attended Game 1 and spoke on The Pat McAfee Show, emphasized the power of unity in the locker room. “We’re always together, I mean, especially when you’re playing, it’s 20 guys and you go to dinner together,” he shared.

“The teams who do that are more successful. The teams where four guys go one place and three guys go to another place... they're not a team.”For him, the camaraderie seen in both the Oilers and Panthers reflects the hallmark of true contenders. Gretzky highlighted that teams like Edmonton, Florida, and even past dynasties like Tampa Bay all share one thing—they stick together off the ice as much as they do on it. “They’ll go through a wall for each other, and you gotta have that in our sport,” he added.

But Gretzky didn’t stop there. He openly backed Edmonton to end Canada’s 31-year Stanley Cup drought. Not since the Montreal Canadiens hoisted the Cup in 1993 has a Canadian team stood atop the NHL world. Now, with a unique blend of speed, grit, and unity, the Oilers have a real shot at rewriting history.“This is the team to do it,” Gretzky said, reaffirming his belief. “I don’t think Florida has played a team that is as physical as Edmonton.

The speed of Edmonton matches Carolina, but Edmonton’s a little more physical.”He acknowledged the toll Florida's consecutive deep playoff runs have likely taken. “When you get to three championship series in a row, you’re physically beat up,” he noted. While he expects the Panthers to push back hard, Gretzky believes Edmonton’s hunger and chemistry give them the edge.

“Edmonton feels it. That’s all anyone talks about,” he concluded.As the series progresses, the Oilers aren’t just chasing a trophy—they’re carrying the hopes of an entire nation. And with the Great One’s blessing, the Cup might finally come home to Canada.Also Read: Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett makes headlines with record-breaking playoff performance on the road