6 ways the Edmonton Oilers are better than last year's team heading into Stanley Cup Final
The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers are preparing for a rematch of last year’s Stanley Cup Final.
Each team was able to punch its ticket to the dance in rather easy fashion, with both winning their Conference Final series in just five games.
Last year’s matchup between these two elite rosters saw the Panthers go on to hoist the Cup in a series that went the distance. That said, this Oilers team is much different from what it was a year ago. Here are six ways that prove just that.
Not reliant on McDrai
The Oilers have been criticized in past years for relying too heavily on their duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. That was certainly the case last year, as both, particularly McDavid, put forth superhuman efforts to will their team to a Stanley Cup, but came up just short.
These playoffs have seen an entirely different Oilers team, one that has featured a ton of depth scoring. Jeff Skinner became the Oilers’ 19th player to score a goal in this run, while 11 players have buried three or more. There hasn’t been an Edmonton roster this deep in the McDavid/Draisaitl era, which will play a huge part in their quest to win it all.
Evander Kane ready to make a difference
Evander Kane failed to make an impact in last year’s Stanley Cup Final. Injuries hampered the 33-year-old severely enough to the point that he wound up sitting out as a healthy scratch. They also resulted in him missing the entire 2024-25 campaign, but he’s back now and as good as ever.
Despite the long time off, Kane has been a major contributor for the Oilers with five goals and six helpers through 15 games. He’s had no problem throwing his weight around with 68 hits, and will continue to do so against a Panthers team that plays plenty physical themselves.
Stuart Skinner putting together incredible stretch
Stuart Skinner’s mental toughness is truly incredible. The 26-year-old was being criticized from every which angle after two tough starts to begin the playoffs, and wound up being relegated to a backup role in favour of Calvin Pickard. Since returning to the crease, it’s been an entirely different story.
Skinner has made eight starts since getting back into the net versus the Vegas Golden Knights, and has posted a .931 SV% along with a 6-2-0 record. His confidence is at an all-time high, and as Oilers fans know, he only gets better as the series goes on.
Mattias Ekholm is good to go
The Oilers got a huge boost ahead of Game 5 versus the Stars, as Mattias Ekholm suited up for the first time these playoffs. The 34-year-old logged over 15 minutes of ice time while picking up an assist on McDavid’s second-period marker.
With Game 1 of the Cup Final not starting until Wednesday, Ekholm will have even more time to rest up and get healthier in a series where he will be relied upon plenty. Getting him back is a huge boost to a blueline that has performed admirably in his absence. The time he had off should also be of big benefit, as he was clearly run down after playing a ton of minutes throughout the course of last year’s run.
More experienced group
Teams often have to go through hardships before they are able to win it all. The Panthers are the perfect example, having lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 before hoisting the Cup last year. The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by a young Sidney Crosby, lost in 2008 before winning it all the very next year.
The Oilers have had plenty of heartbreaks in recent years, as their last three runs have seen them be eliminated by the team that has gone on to win the Cup. Those losses have been heartbreaking, but they also serve as lessons for the entire group, making them hungrier than ever to get the job done this year.
Much better team at even strength
While the Oilers’ power play has continued to be lethal in the postseason at 30 per cent, they haven’t been nearly as reliant on it compared to years past. They are second among all playoff teams with 43 even-strength goals, which also speaks volumes to the depth of scoring they’ve been getting.
What’s even more remarkable is their defensive play. They have given up just 27 even-strength goals, a number which six teams, including the Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets, and Toronto Maple Leafs, surpassed. They had allowed a whopping 55 last year, whereas the Panthers ended their run having given up 41.
While the Panthers continue to be one of the NHL’s best at even strength, this Cup Final will present the Oilers with an opportunity to show the entire world how much they’ve improved in that area of their game.
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