The Edmonton Oilers have long been recognized for their impressive top-end talent, but criticism surrounding their depth and defensive capabilities has echoed throughout the franchise for several years. However, this narrative is poised for a shift as the Oilers find themselves back in 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 season, they enter the championship series with two significant advantages: a more balanced roster and the benefit of home-ice advantage.

Historically, concerns have arisen regarding support for star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This critique is not unfounded, particularly when recalling the Oilers’ playoff performances in 2020 and 2021, where the remarkable offensive contributions from the duo were overshadowed by a lack of depth. Players such as Josh Archibald, Jujhar Khaira, and Kailer Yamamoto were unable to provide the necessary support, resulting in disappointing early exits. The Oilers, despite being a high-seeded team, won only one out of eight playoff games during those early rounds. Even in subsequent seasons, their playoff journeys ended in disappointment against the likes of the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights, despite McDavid and Draisaitl’s historical offensive numbers.

Moving into the current season, doubts lingered as Coach Kris Knoblauch led the team through a challenging campaign, culminating in a third-place finish in the Pacific Division. However, the Oilers demonstrated resilience after a rough start in the postseason against the Los Angeles Kings, making strategic changes that propelled them to sweep the series. Following a tough Round 2, they managed to handle a setback against the Golden Knights before proving themselves in a thrilling Western Conference Final. With a stronger support system around McDavid and Draisaitl, the team’s dynamics have significantly improved. As they prepare to face the Florida Panthers in the finals, both McDavid and Draisaitl expressed excitement and confidence, indicating that this time they may have the depth and fortitude necessary to secure the championship.