Oilers Get No-Nonsense Reality Check From Mark Messier Ahead of Stanley Cup Final Rematch Against Panthers

The Oilers have shown signs of being slow starters in the playoffs this season as well. They lost the first two games of their Round 1 series against the Los Angeles Kings before rallying to win the next four games.

In the Western Conference Finals, they slumped to a 6-3 loss against the Dallas Stars before clinching the series with four straight wins.

Messier’s warning carries significant weight given his unique perspective on championship hockey. As the Oilers’ captain during their dynasty years, he understands the mental and physical demands of winning at the highest level. His 1984 Conn Smythe Trophy performance, when he led Edmonton with 26 points in 19 playoff games, remains one of the most dominant postseason runs in franchise history.

The current Oilers would be wise to study how those 1980s teams approached the Finals. During their five championships between 1984 and 1990, Edmonton never fell behind in a Finals series, setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout. This aggressive approach allowed them to conserve energy for the grueling later games while putting maximum pressure on their opponents.

However, Edmonton seems to have peaked at the right time, with their forward line firing on all cylinders. Team captain Connor McDavid notched a goal and an assist in Game 5, becoming the second-fastest NHL player to tally 100 postseason assists.

Star center Leon Draisaitl has 9 points in the series against Dallas as well, including two in Game 5. Corey Perry, Mattias Janmark, Evander Kane, Jeff Skinner, and Kasperi Kapanen all scored for Edmonton as well on Thursday.

Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch praised his team’s maturity and focus in the postseason.

“We should feel happy about what has gone on. Our [mindset] hasn’t been just be the best team out of the West. All summer, we weren’t thinking about that. We were thinking about the ultimate prize. This is a mature group, they’re older, they’ve seen a lot of playoff hockey. They know what they need to get it done. I liked how we played throughout the game,” Knoblauch stated.

The Oilers have home-ice advantage this time around, which could prove crucial if Messier’s advice is followed. Starting the series at Rogers Place gives Edmonton the opportunity to set an early tone in front of their passionate fans. The building will be electric for Game 1, providing the perfect atmosphere for the fast start Messier advocates.

The puck drops for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, June 4, at Rogers Place in Edmonton (8 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, TNT, truTV, MAX).