Tensions are running high as the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a pivotal Game 5 showdown against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, and Evander Kane is once again at the center of the storm. With the series now tied and momentum swinging after a stunning overtime comeback, all eyes are on Edmonton as they look to seize control on home ice.

Kane, never one to shy away from controversy, has ramped up the psychological warfare by taking pointed verbal shots at the Panthers, questioning the credit they receive for their aggressive style and calling out perceived double standards in officiating. As emotions boil over and the stakes reach new heights, Kane’s comments have added even more fuel to an already fiery rivalry, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable clash in front of a raucous Rogers Place crowd.

Oilers forward Evander Kane in game action

Photo credit: Sportsnet

Ahead of their critical Game 5 tilt against the Florida Panthers in the SCF, Oilers forward Evander Kane is firing a shot at the Panthers as their clash intensifies.

The 2025 SCF is now a best-of-3 following Edmonton’s dramatic 5-4 OT comeback win over Florida.

The Oilers managed to erase a 3-0 lead and eventually won in OT thanks to the 4th OT GWG of Leon Draisaitl, which set a new postseason NHL record.

The Oilers now get the chance to take a series lead in front of their own fans on Saturday at Rogers Place, and ahead of the all-important tilt, Edmonton forward Evander Kane is throwing another jab at the Panthers.

I think they maybe get a little too much credit for how crazy they drive teams.

The Panthers managed to goad the Oilers into taking over 70 PIM in the 3rd period of Game 3, a 6-1 Panthers win in which multiple fights broke out.

The Panthers have been known for their innate ability to get under the skin of their opposition, and the Oilers have been no exception both in this year’s SCF and last year’s.

This isn’t the 1st time in the series that Kane has had words for the Panthers in media interviews. He also recently said he feels that he and his Oilers teammates are getting the shaft by the officials as opposed to the Panthers:

They seem to get away with it more than we do. It’s tough to find the line. They’re doing just as much stuff as we are. There seems to be a little bit more attention on our group.

Kane has 12 points (6G, 6A) in 19 postseason games for the Oilers in 2025.