McDavid describes why Edmonton Oilers are so good at closing out playoff series
The Edmonton Oilers can smell the blood in the water heading into Game 5 against the Dallas Stars.
Just a single win stands between the Oilers and a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final, where the Florida Panthers await a rematch. A thrilling 4-1 win in Edmonton on Tuesday night has allowed the Oilers to close out the Western Conference Final in just five games, and it’s a situation this team has thrived in lately.
Since 2017, the Oilers have had 10 opportunities to eliminate playoff opponents and have only lost one of those games. That one loss came in Game 7 of last year’s Stanley Cup Final.
Connor McDavid’s squad rarely, if ever, allows the opposing team to extend a series when Edmonton has a chance to advance. So, what makes the Oilers such cold-blooded killers in these situations?
The Oilers captain was asked that on Thursday morning.
“I think just being excited about the opportunity, I know that’s cliche,” McDavid said. “It’s exciting when you’re in this position to put a team out.
“We’re excited about today. These are games that we get up for, and we will tonight.”
Corey Perry & Connor McDavid discuss Hyman's injury, Ekholm's impending return to the lineup & more ahead of Game 5 between the #Oilers & Stars tonight in Dallas.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/P9L38G3fag
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 29, 2025
During last year’s Western Conference Final against the Stars, it was anything but easy for the Oilers. Dallas threw everything they had at the Oilers’ net, outshooting Edmonton by an incredible 34-10 margin. Stuart Skinner was the MVP for that game, allowing the Oilers to pick up a 2-1 victory to secure the Western Conference title.
This time around, the Oilers will be looking to put up more of a fight in this potential series clincher. They are down Zach Hyman, but will have Mattias Ekholm returning to the lineup after more than a month of being out with an injury.
McDavid told reporters it’s been a whirlwind of emotions with Hyman leaving and Ekholm returning.
“It’s extremely disappointing to lose [Hyman]. Devastated for him… We’ll miss him a lot,” McDavid said. “Great to see [Ekholm] come back. He’s put in a lot of hard work to get to this point.”
Ekholm isn’t the only player making a return to the lineup. Jeff Skinner will play in just his second-ever NHL playoff game and his first since Game 1 of the opening round. McDavid told reporters he isn’t worried about these players coming back into the lineup after an extended period off.
“Those players that are coming in… they’re around,” McDavid said. “They’re a part of it, just like everyone else, so it doesn’t feel all that different, in my opinion.
“They’re veteran guys, they are guys that are gonna step in and are gonna play great. I expect nothing less.”
A lot is on the line tonight, and you can bet that the Oilers will be as motivated as ever to get another crack at the Panthers.