The Edmonton Oilers have long been characterized by their exceptional top-end talent, particularly in the forms of stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Critics have pointed to a lack of depth as a significant barrier to championship success, suggesting that while the Oilers can score with any team, they often lack the defensive structure required for playoff victories. For years, these narratives have persisted, painting a picture of a franchise with talent yet unable to convert that into lasting success. However, the landscape for the Oilers appears to be shifting noticeably as they return to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year, following a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final.

This year, the Oilers head into the final series with two key advantages over the previous year: a deeper, more balanced roster and the benefit of home-ice advantage. Historically, the argument surrounding the adequacy of support for McDavid and Draisaitl has not seemed entirely unjustified. Looking back at the Edmonton teams of 2020 and 2021, one recalls that the exceptional statistical performances of the duo often faded under the pressure of playoff elimination, overshadowed by less impactful players such as Josh Archibald, Jujhar Khaira, and Kailer Yamamoto. These teams did not possess the requisite fortitude to contend with the playoff-hardened Chicago Blackhawks or the skilled and deeper Winnipeg Jets, leading to disappointing first-round exits in which the higher-seeded Oilers secured merely one victory out of eight games.

The subsequent seasons saw the McDavid-Draisaitl combination, regarded as perhaps the finest duo in the league, continue to achieve historic production, yet their quests for the Stanley Cup were again thwarted by skilled opponents. The Colorado Avalanche overwhelmed the Oilers in the 2022 Western Conference Final, scoring 22 goals against goaltenders Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith and sweeping in four games. Likewise, the Vegas Golden Knights proved too formidable in their second-round matchup the following year, ultimately defeating the Oilers across six games. Despite the quality of the opposition, criticisms intensified, especially as the Oilers struggled through the 2024-25 regular season, finishing third in the Pacific Division and sixth in the conference, often perceived as only early-round cannon fodder. Yet, instead of succumbing to the pressures of high expectations, the Oilers exhibited resilience, adapting their strategies and making crucial adjustments in response to various adversities. Their notable performance in recent playoff series has not only showcased the evolution of the team but has reinvigorated discussions about the potential for the Oilers to claim the ultimate prize.