The Edmonton Oilers have long been recognized for their exceptional top-end talent, a hallmark of the franchise for the past few seasons. However, discussions often revolve around the team's depth—specifically, whether they possess the necessary components to secure a championship. Critics highlight that while the Oilers can score with the best teams in the league, their defensive lineup and overall depth have raised concerns, particularly when facing rugged opponents in playoff scenarios. This narrative has characterized the franchise's performance over the last half-decade, but it appears poised to shift as they return to the Stanley Cup Final following a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final. The Oilers' upcoming appearance marks their second consecutive trip to the NHL's premier series, buoyed by a more balanced roster and the advantage of home ice.

In past seasons, the critiques regarding the Oilers' supporting cast around star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have often been seen as justified. Many recalled the struggles of Edmonton's teams in 2020 and 2021 when the remarkable statistics produced by McDavid and Draisaitl quickly faded into obscurity as playoff challenges emerged. Significant reliance on players like Josh Archibald, Jujhar Khaira, and Kailer Yamamoto proved insufficient, resulting in disappointing first-round exits where higher-seeded Edmonton teams won only one of eight postseason games. The disappointment extended into the subsequent seasons as well, with the McDavid-Draisaitl duo, known as one of the best pairings in the league, facing formidable challenges from adept teams such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights, who would go on to lift the Cup in consecutive years. The Oilers' postseason campaigns did not meet expectations, but recent efforts suggested a definitive change in their dynamics.

In this year's playoffs, the Oilers began Round 1 with a troubling 12-goal onslaught against them in Los Angeles, yet instead of being derailed, they made strategic adjustments that propelled them to victory in four consecutive games. Their resilience was highlighted when they faced adversity again in Round 2 against the Golden Knights, turning to goalie Stuart Skinner who then led the team to significant victories, including a pair of shutouts. While traditional concerns about Edmonton's defense were rekindled following a poor performance against Dallas in the third-round opener, observers began to recognize a shift in the team's core mentality. Analysts noted that they had emerged as a formidable contender, highlighted by stellar performances from McDavid and Draisaitl, and notable contributions from supportive players like Kasperi Kapanen and John Klingberg. Now, facing a skilled and tenacious Florida Panthers squad in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers seem more equipped to contend against the challenges posed by formidable opponents. McDavid expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete against the Panthers again, indicating the growth of both the team and the competitive landscape.