Coming into the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, the two finalists had been on a roll. But by June 17, while the Florida Panthers had successfully established themselves as a dynasty in the making, the Edmonton Oilers were left as the runners-up once again.<\/p>\n
However, while some have attributed this win to Sergei Bobrovsky\u2019s better goaltending compared to Stuart Skinner\u2019s struggles, others blame the Oilers\u2019 lukewarm attack. However, a new report by Puckpedia suggests something different.<\/p>\n
And the Oilers fans aren\u2019t taking the stats given too kindly.<\/p>\n
Why Are Oilers Fans Furious About the Cap Hit Numbers?<\/p>\n
While the NHL<\/a> has a clearly defined cap hit of $88 million for teams across the league, a recently posted report by Puckpedia shows a clear difference between the two finalists. And this has angered the fans.<\/p>\n The report mentions<\/a>, \u201cWe calculated the new Playoff Cap Hit for the rosters that played in the final 2025 Cup Final Game: #LetsGoOilers Playoff Cap Hit was $80.6M vs $88M Cap #TimetoHunt Playoff Cap Hit was $93.0M vs $88M Cap.\u201d<\/p>\n We calculated the new Playoff Cap Hit for the rosters that played in the final 2025 Cup Final Game:#LetsGoOilers<\/a> Playoff Cap Hit was $80.6M vs $88M Cap#TimetoHunt<\/a> Playoff Cap Hit was $93.0M vs $88M Cap<\/p>\n See full calculations & details on Playoff Cap:https:\/\/t.co\/VAFVnwesZq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With a clear $13 million difference in the playoff cap hit, one fan jumped the queue and mentioned<\/a>, \u201cThe $13 million difference showed on the ice too.\u201d The fan was not wrong to say this since the clear gap in the offense and defense of the two teams was visible in the Finals.<\/p>\n But while the Panthers outclassed the Oilers in the six games, the difference in cap hit can simply be attributed to LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve) conditions and Florida being a state-tax-free state, making things different. But as one fan says<\/a>, \u201cEasy to win when you don\u2019t follow the cap \ud83d\udc80\ud83d\udc80.\u201d<\/p>\n The $13 million difference showed on the ice too.<\/p>\n \u2014 Hockey (@twigsplit) July 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Panthers also utilized the fact that the cap doesn\u2019t apply during playoffs<\/a>. So, players who were on LTIR exemption can be activated post-regular season. But a few fans have been pretty riled up with the situation.<\/p>\n How Did the Panthers Navigate Around the Salary Cap Rules?<\/p>\n\n
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