The Edmonton Oilers are returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year following a 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. This iteration of the Oilers arrives at the NHL's premier series with some notable improvements compared to last season, particularly in terms of team depth and home-ice advantage.

For years, a common narrative surrounding the Oilers revolved around their impressive top-end talent, most notably featuring stars such as Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, contrasted with perceived shortcomings in team depth and defensive capabilities. Historical challenges featured a reliance on less impactful players during critical playoff matches, overshadowing the impressive scoring capabilities of their superstar duo. Past performances led to frustrating exits in the postseason, including a series of disappointing first-round defeats against the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets during the 2020 and 2021 playoffs, respectively.

Despite these setbacks, the Oilers have shown significant growth this season, showcasing a more balanced roster that features contributions from a wider array of skaters. Analysts have noted the marked improvement in team play as they advanced through the playoffs this year, defeating the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks prior to their triumph over the Stars. This transformation has prompted renewed optimism among fans and analysts alike. With the upcoming Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, McDavid remarked on the significance of facing an opponent who bested them in the previous year’s playoffs, emphasizing the excitement of this rematch. This time, the Oilers aim to capitalize on their strengthened roster, potentially shifting the narrative from one of perennial underachievement to that of a championship contender.