The storyline surrounding the Edmonton Oilers has often echoed similar themes. Renowned for their top-tier talent, particularly from stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the common refrain has been that they lack the necessary depth to emerge as champions. Additionally, doubts have stemmed from their perceived inability to effectively defend, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. These narratives have repeatedly surfaced over the past several years, but they may be on the verge of changing. After a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, the Oilers have secured their position in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year. This season comes with significant differences compared to the last, including a more balanced and deeper roster, alongside the advantage of playing at home during the final rounds.

Reflecting on previous seasons, the perception that the Oilers surrounding McDavid and Draisaitl haven't performed well is not entirely unfounded. In the 2020 and 2021 seasons, the impressive statistics produced by this duo were quickly overshadowed as their playoff campaigns faltered. Those years saw Edmonton quickly eliminated in the first round against teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets, with the Oilers winning only one of eight playoff games despite being the higher-seeded team. While the team has faced challenging opponents in subsequent seasons, including the eventual champions Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights, the criticism regarding the Oilers' overall team composition and ability to compete at a championship level persisted beyond 2023.

This season, however, a subtle shift has been observed. After struggling initially in their playoff journey, the Oilers demonstrated resilience by overcoming early challenges. Faced with adversity, including a significant loss against the Kings and an injury to goaltender Calvin Pickard, the team rebounded fiercely, showcasing a solid defensive performance that culminated in consecutive victories against strong opponents. As they now prepare to face the Florida Panthers, who previously bested them in the final round, there is a renewed sense of optimism. McDavid, recognizing the caliber of the Panthers, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming matchup, which he sees as an opportunity to assert their strength and ambitions. With a well-rounded and deeper roster this year, the Oilers appear better equipped to confront their challengers in the quest for the coveted championship.