The Florida Panthers take the cup as a the 2024-2025 NHL season comes to a close

And after all that, the Florida Panthers are yet again Stanley Cup Champions.

This time in 6 games against the Edmonton Oilers.

We do have a new Fearless Predictions champion. In fact, we have three!

There are no tie breakers in this competition, as the goal is to predict the Stanley Cup Playoffs as accurately as possible.

And that’s what Scott Laughlin, Ryan Paton, and Mick Kern did. 

Scott is in the winner’s circle for the first time since 2010.  Mick is there for the first time since 2012, and Ryan is there for the first time.  Steve Kouleas get the Golden Skate Award for correctly picking the most series, going 10-for-15.

In a year where there were zero big upsets in the playoffs, the field was bunched up tightly, with these three contestants barely edging out several contenders.

The Victory Parade will be held outside on the balcony at SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.  BBQ included.  Mike Lippa presiding.

See you in October!

ALL-TIME FEARLESS PLAYOFF PREDICTION CHAMPIONS
2025 Champions – Scott Laughlin (3), Ryan Paton & Mick Kern (5)
2024 Champion – Shane Malloy
2023 Champion – Dennis Bernstein (2)
2022 Champion – Steve Kouleas
2021 Champion – Bruce Bolton (2)
2020 Champion – Dennis Bernstein
2019 Champion – Jim Gordon
2018 Champion – Joe Thistel (3)
2017 Champion – Peter Berce (2)
2016 Champion – Mike Lippa
2015 Champions – Peter Berce & Nick Alberga
2014 Champion – Joe Thistel (2)
2013 Champion – Bruce Bolton
2012 Champion – Mick Kern (4)
2011 Champion – Joe Thistel
2010 Champions – Scott Laughlin (2) & Shawn Lavigne
2009 Champions – Scott Laughlin & Mick Kern (3)
2008 Champion – Mick Kern (2)
2007 Champions – Mike Ross & Mick Kern

46 points is the maximum number of points one can achieve. Mike Lippa set the record with 36 points back in 2016.  Steve Kouleas went 15-for-16 for series correctly chosen back in 2022.

• 1 point for correctly choosing the winner of each 1^st round series
• 2 points for correctly choosing the winner of each 2^nd round series
• 2 points for correctly choosing the winner of each 3^rd round series
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2025 Stanley Cup winner
• 2 points for correctly choosing the 2025 Conn Smythe winner
• 1 point for correctly choosing how long a series goes, but only if one also correctly picks that series’ winning team
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2025 Stanley Cup winner before the playoffs begin (no points for choosing the other finalist)
• 3 points for correctly choosing the 2025 Conn Smythe winner before the playoffs begin
• There are NO tiebreakers.  The championship can, and has, been shared.

FINAL 2025 STANDINGS

Scott Laughlin 18 points (9 for 15 series correctly picked)
Mick Kern 18 points (9 for 15)
Ryan Paton 18 points (8 for 15)
Steve Kouleas 17 points (10 for 15)
Joe Thistel 17 points (9 for 15)
Martin Biron 17 points (9 for 15)
Dave McCarthy 16 points (9 for 15)
Victoria Matiash 16 points (9 for 15)
Jonathan Davis 16 points (8 for 15)
Dennis Bernstein 15 points (8 for 15)
Lucas Critelli 15 points (8 for 15)
Russ Cohen 15 points (8 for 15)
Anthony Stewart 13 points (8 for 15)
Bernie Corbett 13 points (8 for 15)
Jim Gordon 12 points (8 for 15)
Jake Hahn 12 points (8 for 15)
Gord Stellick 12 points (7 for 15)
Shane Malloy 12 points (7 for 15)
Tyler Madarasz 12 points (7 for 15)
Peter Berce 11 points (8 for 15)
Bruce Bolton 11 points (7 for 15)
Mikey Bonora 10 points (6 for 15)