The Edmonton Oilers have long been recognized for their impressive top-end talent, yet critiques regarding their depth and overall team composition persist. The prevailing narratives surrounding the franchise have highlighted concerns over their defensive capabilities and their ability to contend in physically demanding playoff scenarios. However, this season marks a significant shift for the Oilers, as they have advanced to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, following a decisive 6-3 victory against the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. Two key factors distinguish their current campaign from last year's: a more balanced team and the advantage of playing on home ice.

For years, skepticism surrounding the Oilers' depth, particularly around stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, has been unavoidable. This criticism was particularly palpable during the 2020 and 2021 playoff seasons, as the franchise faced disappointing early exits against formidable foes like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Winnipeg Jets. In those instances, Edmonton's postseason aspirations were undermined by a lack of depth and inability to withstand rigorous competition. Last season also saw the McDavid-Draisaitl duo nab historical production levels, yet their efforts fell short against eventual champions in Colorado and Vegas.

Despite a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, during which the Oilers struggled to find consistency and found themselves positioned behind teams like the Golden Knights and the Kings, they regrouped admirably in the playoffs. A surprising turnaround commenced after conceding a hefty 12 goals in the first two games against the Kings, as they made strategic adjustments and ultimately secured a sweep in the subsequent contests. Their resilience was further tested against Vegas, but they emerged victorious, concluding the series with impressive shutout performances. As they prepared to face the Stars in the third round, doubts resurfaced regarding their defensive capabilities. However, with significant contributions from players, including Kapanen, Klingberg, and Perry, the Oilers appeared well-equipped to contend. As McDavid noted ahead of the Stanley Cup Final, the upcoming matchup against the Panthers sets the stage for an exciting challenge as they vie for the championship.