The Edmonton Oilers have long been recognized for their exceptional top-end talent, yet questions about their depth and ability to compete for a championship have lingered. For years, analysts and fans alike have highlighted the Oilers’ ability to score, juxtaposed with concerns over their defensive capabilities and resilience in playoff scenarios. However, the narrative surrounding the franchise is poised for a shift. After a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, the Oilers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive year. This time, they return with a more well-rounded roster and the advantage of playing on home ice.

Critiques regarding the support around superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while not entirely unfounded, have characterized past playoff performances. During the playoff campaigns of 2020 and 2021, individual brilliance from McDavid and Draisaitl often overshadowed the team’s shortcomings. The Oilers found themselves outmatched by the experienced Chicago Blackhawks and the deeper Winnipeg Jets, leading to disappointing first-round exits. Each of those seasons, the Oilers won just one of eight playoff games despite having higher seeds. In the following years, they encountered similar frustrations against eventual champions, such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights, who exposed their vulnerabilities in key matchups.

The latest campaign seemed to follow suit, as concerns persisted even into the 2024-25 season after the Oilers finished behind the Golden Knights and Kings in the Pacific Division. Nevertheless, Edmonton exhibited resilience, adapting after a disappointing start in the postseason and executing a remarkable turnaround. They not only maintained composure in challenging situations but also demonstrated defensive fortitude that had previously eluded them. With substantial contributions from role players and an overall more cohesive unit, including effective performances from players like Kasperi Kapanen and John Klingberg, the Oilers have redefined their identity as they prepare for a rematch against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. As McDavid noted, this presents an incredible opportunity to compete against a formidable opponent and aim for the championship title.