It’s the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs time and teams are already buckling up. While it was the Florida Panthers last year, with their shocking 2-1 win against the Edmonton Oilers, fast-forward to 2025, and things aren’t looking quite the same. And after dropping back-to-back games against the Toronto Maple Leafs, what thrills the fans and NHL community is to witness a repeat of that glory. However, with the pressure being high and intensity already increasing, one can say that it’s difficult to decide who will clinch the trophy this year.

But for the Panthers specifically, rarely do the defending champions see their playoff odds drop this steeply. And that’s what Moneypuck.com had to suggest on X. “Chances after Leafs and Stars win,” the post read while sharing a chart of all eight teams’ stats in the recent playoff series. While the Maple Leafs top with 20.9 % chances of winning the cup, the Dallas Stars are right behind them with a 16.7% probability of winning! It looks like the Stars are just creeping up. And the Panthers? Just one spot ahead of the Washington Capitals with a 7% chance of winning.

While the Panthers were considered far more likely contenders earlier in the postseason, after winning over the Tampa Bay Lightning 4–1, it’s the Toronto Maple Leafs who have turned the tables on them. Starting with Game 1, the Florida Panthers fall short with a 4-5 loss, while the Leafs manage to secure one despite their goalie getting severely injured after Sam Bennett’s controversial hit. And soon after that, it was Game 2 that deepened the blow for Florida, resulting in yet another tough loss and a 0-2 deficit in the series. Perhaps the reason why the win predictor is predicting a low possibility of the Panthers moving ahead in the race.

However, despite the cold analytics, Florida isn’t giving up already. Instead, the team is putting its weight behind the playoff experience and leadership mindset. For players it’s simply a matter of “so what,” as stated by defenseman Aaron Ekblad after the team’s recent loss. Because hey, it’s the Panthers, and they aren’t here to lose but to prove who they are!

Florida Panthers teammates aren’t worried with their loss

“There’s a decision to be made in the room to understand that teams are going to win games at home, and we’re fine; there’s no panic in our group,” Ekblad further stated while highlighting the locker room confidence and fiery spirit. And he didn’t stop there but added, “We’re well-equipped to handle this situation with veteran leadership. A lot of guys have been in this situation. So, we’re not worried. It’s playoff hockey. Home-ice advantage—they won two at home, so what?” Well, does it give enough clarity for their Stanley Cup expectations? Not exactly, though, but the mindset? Let’s say it’s 100% the one to prove who the Florida Panthers are!

And when the team’s forward, Carter Verhaeghe, expressed similar sentiments, fans might sense a hope now. “They’re a good team, too,” he said. “They took care of their home ice and we got to do the same,” he said while addressing that every playoff is a learning opportunity and they are here to do the same while adding the spark they need to show back the real prowess.

While the charts are painting a grim outlook for now, it’s the players themselves who are defending it clearly. Because they know it’s not something they haven’t faced before. Hence, to say the Florida Panthers’ players’ comebacks are strong enough to turn the stats upside down.