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NHL Analyst Reveals Three Reasons Why Oilers Will Win the Stanley Cup

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 16, 2025 11:35 AM ET

An NHL analyst for 'The Hockey Writers' has revealed three reasons as to why the Edmonton Oilers are guaranteed to win the Stanley Cup this time around.

The Edmonton Oilers surprised the world again, proving they're really Stanley Cup material. After their series meltdown in their first two games against the Kings, they bounced back strong and swept LA with four wins in a row.

They continued and defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 in a commanding fashion. This is the second straight Western Conference Final, and the third time in four years, for the Oilers, plain proof they're one of the league's elite.

With a roster so deep and balanced, and its franchise core playing, this team has all the pieces to win the entire thing.

NHL analyst Rupert McDonald of 'The Hockey Writers' dissected six main reasons the Oilers are poised to win a championship, but let's focus on the top three.

1) Depth Scoring Has Been Incredible
2) Blue Line Has Stepped Up

3) Oilers More Motivated Than Ever

- Rupert McDonald

Depth scoring

First, depth scoring did pay dividends. Even when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl weren't playing at their world-best, there was sufficient complement.

Kasperi Kapanen, acquired in December off the waiver wire, sealed the series against Vegas with an overtime goal in his second playoff game.

Great defense

Secondly, the defense has responded very well. Blue line worries are forgotten with the steady star play of Evan Bouchard and the veterans stepping in like Darnell Nurse, Jake Walman, and even John Klingberg, who is getting into his groove.

Brett Kulak and Troy Stecher have also delivered solid depth along the way, supporting an unexpectedly great defense corps.

Fueled by past failures

Finally, this team is driven by last season's disappointment. Finishing ever so short in 2024 only made this group hungrier. Like the Panthers did last season, the Oilers will take the past disappointment and turn it into a Stanley Cup championship.

There is no way they want to suffer the exact same heartbreak two years in a row. The Oilers are more stacked, stronger, and hungrier than ever and are ready to complete the job.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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