The Edmonton Oilers have long been associated with narratives highlighting their exceptional top-end talent, yet a perceived lack of depth has often overshadowed their potential as championship contenders. For years, criticisms have circulated about the team's ability to score but falter on the defensive end in crucial playoff situations. The prevailing themes have remained unchanged for nearly half a decade. However, the storyline surrounding the Oilers is poised for transformation as they secured their spot in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year with a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final.

This year, the Oilers return to the NHL's premier stage with notable adjustments compared to their previous finals appearance: a more balanced and deeper roster, combined with the advantage of home ice. Historical scrutiny surrounding the supporting cast for superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl often pointed to shortcomings that hindered playoff success. In earlier seasons, notably 2020 and 2021, the remarkable statistics produced by the dynamic duo seemed to fade from memory when postseason aspirations relied heavily on the performance of role players such as Josh Archibald, Jujhar Khaira, and Kailer Yamamoto, reflecting a stark contrast to their offensive capabilities. The result was disappointing, with the Oilers facing early exits at the hands of formidable opponents like the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets, while seasons featuring record-setting performances for McDavid and Draisaitl ultimately led to more first-round disappointments.

Despite a brief resurgence in the following seasons, where the Oilers continued to showcase the prowess of their star pairing against eventual champions, the team's narrative remained largely unchanged. In 2022, the Colorado Avalanche decisively eliminated the Oilers in the Western Conference Final, while the Vegas Golden Knights presented a formidable challenge a year later in the second round. Yet the 2024 postseason saw the Oilers navigate through previous challenges, amassing impressive wins against the Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars before falling short to the Florida Panthers in a Game 7. However, skepticism surrounding the team's defensive capabilities persisted, particularly within the context of the intense competition characteristic of playoff hockey. Early 2025 saw the Oilers struggle with inconsistency before defying expectations by adjusting their gameplay and relying on strong performances from their goaltenders, which ultimately solidified their resurgence in the playoffs. Observers noted a renewed resilience in the Oilers, led by McDavid's playmaking and a supporting cast that has increasingly demonstrated their ability to contribute, making this rematch against the Panthers particularly compelling.