Edmonton Oilers Stand One Win Away From Returning to the Stanley Cup Final for the Second Consecutive Season in 2025

The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of doing something truly special—again. With a commanding performance in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Oilers took a 3-2 series lead and now find themselves just one victory away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight season. After decades of playoff frustrations, Edmonton is writing a new chapter in its storied hockey history, one that could restore the glory days of the 1980s when legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier ruled the ice.

It hasn’t been a smooth or easy ride for Edmonton this postseason, but their resilience, elite skill, and top-tier leadership have kept them a step ahead. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers have shown time and again why they are among the NHL’s most feared teams. Game 5 was yet another example of that excellence.

In a hostile environment on the road, the Oilers silenced the home crowd early and never relinquished control. McDavid dazzled with a highlight-reel goal in the first period, slicing through defenders with the kind of finesse that has become his trademark. Draisaitl followed with a power-play goal in the second, extending the Oilers’ lead and establishing their dominance. But it wasn’t just the stars who made the difference. Zach Hyman continued his gritty postseason performance with an assist and relentless forechecking, while goaltender Stuart Skinner made several game-saving stops that swung momentum in Edmonton’s favor. When the final horn sounded, the Oilers had earned a critical 4-2 win that placed them on the doorstep of hockey’s biggest stage.

This current version of the Edmonton Oilers is no longer simply the McDavid show. The team has evolved into a well-rounded machine with depth scoring, responsible defensive pairings, and an increasing level of poise. What once seemed like a top-heavy roster reliant on two superstars has been transformed into a legitimate championship contender with contributions coming from all four lines. Players like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm have all stepped up in meaningful ways throughout this playoff run, filling gaps and ensuring that Edmonton remains formidable even when opponents try to neutralize their biggest threats.

The turning point of the series may have come not just in terms of goals and assists, but in the attitude the Oilers displayed after falling behind 2-1 in the series. Facing questions about their toughness and ability to respond, Edmonton returned home for Game 4 with a chip on their shoulder. What followed was a 5-1 rout that reignited the team’s belief and reminded the hockey world that this group isn’t just talented—it’s determined. Game 5 only reinforced that belief.

Now comes the hardest part: finishing the job. One win away can often feel like the longest distance in sports. The opposing team, down 3-2, will be fighting for its season, desperate to force a Game 7 and keep its own dreams alive. Edmonton must be prepared for the storm. Yet if the Oilers have proven anything this postseason, it’s that they’ve learned how to weather adversity. From early-season doubts to mid-series lulls, this team has emerged stronger and more focused each time it has been challenged.

For McDavid and Draisaitl, another trip to the Stanley Cup Final would mark the latest milestone in their decorated careers. Already among the best one-two punches in modern NHL history, both have made it clear that individual accolades are no longer the priority. Their sights are fixed on the Stanley Cup, and they are willing to sacrifice anything to bring it back to Edmonton. The duo has taken lessons from past playoff heartbreaks and turned them into fuel for this campaign. They’ve spoken openly about the need to play with structure, patience, and team-first urgency—and they’ve led by example every night.

There is also a sense of redemption hanging in the air. Last year, the Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Final but fell short of capturing the title. That loss has lingered, pushing the team through offseason workouts, grinding practices, and a long regular season. The memory of coming so close, only to fall one step short, continues to serve as a powerful motivator. And now, with the finish line once again in sight, Edmonton is determined not to let this opportunity slip away.

Off the ice, Oilers fans are buzzing with anticipation. Rogers Place has been electric all postseason, and Game 6 promises to be another unforgettable scene. The city of Edmonton, starved for another championship and galvanized by its team’s success, is rallying behind this group with everything it has. Flags fly from car windows, bars are packed for every game, and “Let’s Go Oilers” chants echo through the streets. The connection between this team and its community is something special—reminiscent of the dynasty days when the Oilers weren’t just good, they were legendary.

Coach Kris Knoblauch deserves immense credit for the way he’s handled the bench throughout the playoffs. In just his first full season behind the bench, he’s shown a calm, strategic mindset that has helped keep the Oilers grounded and focused. He’s not afraid to make adjustments, whether it’s tweaking line combinations, altering power play schemes, or deploying matchups to gain an edge. His ability to relate to his players while maintaining a firm standard of accountability has been key in Edmonton’s rise.

The Oilers also deserve praise for their physical and mental discipline. In a playoff landscape often dominated by chippy play and emotional swings, Edmonton has largely kept its composure. Penalties have been minimal, and when they have been called, the penalty kill unit has delivered. Their attention to detail, from faceoffs to line changes to neutral zone coverage, reflects a team playing with purpose.

Yet despite all the positives, the work is not done. History is full of teams that were “one win away” and never got there. The Oilers know this better than anyone. They’ve tasted both sides of playoff hockey—the ecstasy of big wins and the agony of near-misses. That experience will be vital as they prepare for Game 6. The message from leadership is clear: respect the opponent, but don’t hesitate. Start fast, stay aggressive, and trust the system.

A second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final would not just be a milestone—it would be a message. A message to the NHL that the Edmonton Oilers are no longer a talented team trying to figure it out. They are contenders. They are closer than ever to completing a journey that began with McDavid’s draft night in 2015, gained momentum with Draisaitl’s emergence, and has now reached a fever pitch with this deep, dangerous, and determined roster.

There’s a certain poetic symmetry to the Oilers’ potential return to the Final. Almost 35 years since their last Cup win, the modern-day Oilers are channeling the spirit of those iconic teams—not by replicating the past, but by forging a legacy of their own. It’s not about reliving history; it’s about making it. And they’re just one win away.

When the puck drops for Game 6, all eyes will be on Edmonton. A city. A franchise. A fanbase. All waiting, all hoping, all believing. The moment is theirs for the taking. And if the Oilers continue to play the way they have—with speed, precision, and heart—there’s every reason to believe that moment will arrive sooner rather than later.