Connor McDavid gave a clear warning to the Panthers before the Stanley Cup finals were initially seen at Athlon Sports.
The Edmonton Oilers will keep the goal of redemption in mind and return to the Stanley Cup final.
Last year, the Florida Panthers’ Game 7 continued, but the tone of Edmonton’s return was more stable.
There is now a rematch, with Oilers captain Connor McDavid making it clear that this version of the team is more sharp, stronger and far from spending - probably last season.
Edmonton's path to the 2025 Stanley Cup final is different from what it was a year ago. The turmoil against the Los Angeles Kings took place early when the Oilers started the game 0-2, but Edmonton won 12 of the last 14 playoff games.
“These games are emotionally exhausted, we don’t.”
- SportsNet (@sportsnet) May 30, 2025
Connor McDavid gives the Oilers a better chance to win the Stanley Cup this year. pic.twitter.com/6aeba28xwj
McDavid said the team's emotional approach has changed completely from last year.
"We'd better go to last year. It's a great learning experience and it drives us all year round," McDavid said. "This running feels different from last year. It feels normal. It's not that exciting. It puts us in a good position.
"These games may be emotionally exhausted. We're not exhausted."
McDavid also said that while their near-perfect playoff record didn’t convince anyone of that, the Oilers have not reached their peak yet.
"It's a different experience. Some teams have been very enthusiastic throughout the game and they've been running through the playoffs," McDavid said. "For us, it's a blend of in the playoffs. We've been building, building and building our game.
"We started to see some of the best hockey. Our best hockey is still in front of us, and that's a great thing."
Florida swept the first three games of last year's finals before Edmonton was forced and eventually lost Game 7. Contrary to last season, the Oilers have a Home-Ice advantage this year.
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This story was first appeared on May 31, 2025 by Athlon Sports.