The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final. After making the Dallas Stars look elementary in a 6-3 win in Game Five of the Western Conference Final, the Oilers are ready for a rematch of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Back-to-back Stanley Cup rematches are rare. It's only been done once in the post-salary cap era (Detroit and Pittsburgh in 2008 and 2009). Hockey fans are going to be treated to a special Final.
The Edmonton Oilers
The pressure is on for the Edmonton Oilers. Last year, they made an incredible comeback from a 3-0 deficit and took the Florida Panthers to Game Seven, only to lose 2-1. The Oilers were that close to winning their first Stanley Cup since 1990, and Connor McDavid to winning his first.
The Oilers are a different team than they were last year. The Oilers were spent by the third period in Game Seven last year. This year, Edmonton knows how to pace itself. Rather than pushing their offense to the max, the Oilers are content to pull back after a lead and defend.
They're also a much more physical team. The Oilers didn't just burn the Stars' defense in the Western Conference Final, they punished them. The Oilers out-hit the Stars 232-156. This is an Oilers team that's defensively sound and can play with physicality, an aspect that was lacking last year.
The Line Up
Connor McDavid is the greatest player in the world. He leads scoring in the playoffs with 26 points and 20 assists. McDavid's speed burns past opponents, like in his highlight-reel goal in which Roope Hintz, with a broken foot, nearly caught up to him. Linemate Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has 18 points, but McDavid has another linemate who is performing above expectations.
Much to the surprise of many, newly 40 years of age, Corey Perry, has been an important player in the Oilers' post-season success. Perry's ability to score net-front goals has given him seven in the playoffs, four of which are power-play goals. Perry bolsters the third line but finds himself on McDavid's wing as of late.
Zach Hyman's absence will hurt the Oilers, however. An upper-body injury sustained in Game Four against the Stars has Hyman missing the rest of the playoffs. Hyman spent time on McDavid's wing and scored five goals and 11 points. Hyman was incredibly effective on the forecheck and led the team in hits per 60 with 28.
Leon Draisaitl centers a dangerous second line. Draisaitl has scored seven goals and 25 points, punishing the opposition when given space. Evander Kane and Kasperi Kapanen are effective wingers on the second line, both providing speed.
On defense, Evan Bouchard leads all defensemen in the playoffs with six goals and 17 points. Bouchard makes the Oilers' power play even more deadly, in addition to McDavid and Draisaitl. Mattias Ekholm seems to be an excellent partner for Bouchard, acting as a safety for Bouchard's necessary but risky offensive plays.
The rest of the Oilers' blue line is impressively effective. Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak have been a solid middle pair. The third pair, John Klingberg and Jake Walman, provides defensive depth and is a big part of the Oilers' defensive success. And there's always Troy Stetcher as the seventh defenseman should the Oilers need to replace any of their blue liners.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner had an excellent series against the Stars. Skinner posted a .924 SV% and a 2.01 GAA in the Western Conference Final. If Skinner can carry that level of goaltending against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers have a legitimate chance of hoisting the Stanley Cup.
What's On Tap Next?
The Oilers are one of the league's best teams. Back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances are a testament to this team's skill and determination. There are two keys to Edmonton's success. The first is Skinner staying hot in net. The second is surviving the Florida Panthers' forecheck. The Oilers didn't have issues on breakouts in the playoffs, but they haven't faced a team that can forecheck like Florida. The Oilers have the edge in offensive talent, their defense is better than last year, and now they just need to finish strong.
More must-reads: