Oilers vs Panthers: Stanley Cup Rematch Sets On Wednesday/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Edmonton Oilers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for a second straight year, again facing the Florida Panthers. Led by Connor McDavid, Edmonton believes this postseason feels steadier and more focused. With balanced scoring, strong goaltending, and playoff maturity, the Oilers are chasing long-awaited redemption.

Oilers’ Cup Rematch Quest: Quick Looks

• Edmonton reaches Stanley Cup Final for the second year in a row.
• Face Florida Panthers again after last year’s Game 7 defeat.
• Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead team with combined 51 playoff points.
• Oilers swept through playoffs with first-attempt series clinchers.
• Game 1 of the Final is Wednesday night in Edmonton.
• Team shows more maturity, balance, and consistency than last year.
• Corey Perryage 40, scores 7 goals — most ever for a player over 39.
• Goaltending tandem of Skinner and Pickard have each tallied six playoff wins.
• Coach Knoblauch: “We spent seven months getting ready for this run.”

Deep Look: McDavid, Oilers Get Another Shot at Stanley Cup Glory Against Panthers

Dallas – For Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilersthis Stanley Cup Final feels different — more measured, more mature, and more like a team destined to finish what it started.

Edmonton has officially earned its second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Finalsetting up a rematch with the Florida Pantherswho bested them in a tight seven-game series just last season. The Oilers punched their ticket after a dominant 6-3 win over the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of the Western Conference Final on Thursday.

Redemption on the Line

The Oilers fell heartbreakingly short last June, pushing Florida to Game 7 before the Panthers claimed their first-ever Cup. The experience left a mark — one that has fueled Edmonton’s focus all season.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch said the team has been preparing for this opportunity since the final horn last year.

The Panthers, now appearing in their third consecutive Finaldefeated Carolina in five games in the Eastern Conference Final and enter the rematch with confidence and experience of their own.

A Balanced, Deep Oilers Roster

This year, Edmonton is proving to be more than just McDavid and Draisaitl. Nineteen players have scored playoff goals, and 11 have notched three or more.

Corey Perrythe 40-year-old veteran winger, has been a revelation, leading with seven goals — the most by a player over 39 in a single postseason.

Goaltending, long a question mark for the Oilers, has been an unexpected strength. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have each secured six wins. Skinner reclaimed the crease in the Vegas series and delivered clutch performances, including two shutouts to close out the Golden Knightsfollowed by another against Dallas.

McDavid and Draisaitl Leading by Example

McDavid and Leon Draisaitl (25 points, 7 goals) remain the driving force of the team, but their leadership now seems more refined. Rather than chasing moments, they’re managing emotions and keeping the group grounded.

Draisaitl echoed the sentiment: “We’re really a good team, and it’s not just about revenge. It’s about the Cup. That’s the focus.”

Florida Familiarity and a Different Finish?

The Panthers know Edmonton well — too well. They took the first three games in last year’s Final before the Oilers stormed backforcing a Game 7 thriller. Now, Florida is aiming to become a modern dynasty with three straight Final appearances.

Yet the Oilers believe they’re ready. With depth scoring, elite playmakers, veteran leadershipand mental toughnessthis could be the year they bring the Cup back to Edmonton for the first time since 1990.

As Perry succinctly put it:

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