The 2024 run to the Stanley Cup Final was an experience many of us won’t forget — including the players. However, the 2025 journey, so far, feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, yet the job is far from over. Last season’s Western Conference Final win now almost feels over-celebrated.
That’s not to undervalue the meaning of that achievement — it’s just how it feels now, seeing them win it for a second consecutive year.
Now, we’ve entered Stanley Cup Final week, which is where the stars come out to play.
If the Oilers’ stars show up, they’re winning the Stanley Cup. You could argue that’s where the series was lost last time. While Connor McDavid led the Final in scoring with 11 points, Leon Draisaitl struggled and didn’t score a goal. The offensive woes extended to Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who combined for just one goal. Evander Kane couldn’t overcome his injury either, which kept him out until the playoffs this season.
Draisaitl wouldn’t admit it in his end-of-season interview after the Stanley Cup Final, but it was clear something was plaguing him. Oilersnation’s Zach Laing reported that Draisaitl had a broken rib, suffered in Game 7 of the second round against the Vancouver Canucks, also dealing with a broken finger. His performance dropped significantly from the opening two series to the final stretch.
Draisaitl scored eight goals and 22 points against Los Angeles and Vancouver, but then the injury struck. The same production didn’t carry over against Dallas and Florida, where he finished with just two goals and seven points — and no goals in the Stanley Cup Final. The power play also dropped off, falling from 37.5% to 20%.
It’s much clearer that Draisaitl is healthier this year. He was excellent in the Western Conference Final — not only offensively, with a point in every game, but defensively as well. He was on the ice for two five-on-five goals against, both of which came in Game 1. It was a similar story versus Vegas, where he effectively neutralized Jack Eichel in the final games of the series.
“This is the big guys’ series,” said Louie DeBrusk on Oilersnation Everyday. “Everyone has to do their part, but there’s a reason why you have the No. 1 and No. 2 guys in playoff points over the last 10 years. They’ve been pacing everybody. This is their second chance in a Stanley Cup Final, and they’re going to be ready.
“There’s only a max of seven games left in the season, so you can leave it all out there. The time between games is critical. You can push. That lines up with leaving it all on the ice each and every night. I know for a fact that’s what both teams are thinking. There’s nothing to save it for.”
Although that opening game against Dallas didn’t go the Oilers’ way, we could all see that Draisaitl had an extra hop in his step. The goal he scored was world-class. He continued to hold that standard for the remainder of the series. Now, with another extended break, can he bring that same level into the next round?
Home ice is everything for Edmonton this year. Many argue that if they had it in Game 7 last year, they might’ve won. But what if Leon had been healthy? That might’ve made all the difference. Thankfully, fans in Oil Country are going to get the opportunity to see what a healthy Draisaitl can do against the Florida Panthers.
