The Edmonton Oilers are back on hockey’s biggest stage, and no one feels the weight or the opportunity more than Connor McDavid. The Oilers captain has a deeper appreciation for this run, knowing how close they came last year before falling to the Florida Panthers in a gut-wrenching Game 7.
In a rematch of last year’s final, McDavid is looking to follow a blueprint laid down by his childhood idol. When he was younger, he watched Sidney Crosby lose in the 2008 Stanley Cup Final with the Pittsburgh Penguins, only to come back the next year and bag his first Cup. Now, McDavid hopes to turn his own heartbreak into triumph.
“I think as a kid growing up, you have such an appreciation for seeing teams that win and seeing the Cup brought out,” McDavid said during Media Day on Tuesday. “Seeing Sid win after growing up and being a Sid fan was pretty cool to see. There are steps to everything, and when you’re a kid, you want to just play in the NHL. You want to be successful and do all these great things, and there comes a point where it’s only about winning.”
Reflecting on the Oilers’ evolution, McDavid added:
“I think this group hit that point years ago. It’s been a few years here with this core and we’re looking to finish the job.”
Sidney Crosby:
2008- Reaches first Stanley Cup Final
2009- Wins first Stanley Cup
2010 Olympics- Wins first Olympic goldConnor McDavid:
2024- Reaches first Stanley Cup Final
2025- ???
2026 Olympics- ??? pic.twitter.com/KepygBCj3i— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) June 3, 2025
Experience Shaping Edmonton Oilers’ Stanley Cup Run
Having been through the highs and lows of last season’s Final, McDavid believes the Oilers are better equipped this time around. Edmonton spent the regular season focused on building consistency after last year’s disappointment, finishing with 110 points and claiming the Pacific Division title.
“We’re looking to finish the job.”#Oilers captain Connor McDavid speaks during Stanley Cup Final Media Day ahead of tomorrow’s Game 1 against the Panthers.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/4RzWhxfKqf
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) June 3, 2025
“I would say it’s just dealing with the emotion of it, just because you feel closer,” McDavid said. “There’s a big circus. It can feel like it’s larger than it is. At the end of the day, it’s another series and we’re playing another great team, and you’ve got to beat them before anything else happens.”
The Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final in five games to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the third consecutive year. McDavid knows what to expect.
“All of our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone’s mind. We know what to expect from their game, and they know what to expect from ours. They’re an aggressive, in-your-face, and quick team.”
Connor McDavid is poised to crack the top 40 all-time in playoff points during the #StanleyCup Final.
And he’s set to do in way fewer games played… 👀
The #StanleyCup Final between the @FlaPanthers and @EdmontonOilers begins Wednesday, June 4 at 8p ET on @NHL_On_TNT,… pic.twitter.com/NsYNEEVgRM
— NHL (@NHL) June 3, 2025
The Oilers’ postseason journey has showcased contributions from across the roster, yet it’s clear who leads the charge. Connor McDavid tops all players in the 2025 playoffs with 26 points (6 goals, 20 assists) over 16 games, underscoring his pivotal role in Edmonton’s return to the Stanley Cup Final. 
At 28, McDavid is pursuing the one accolade missing from his resume, similar to Crosby’s breakthrough moment in 2009. Winning the Cup would not only fulfill a childhood dream but elevate McDavid’s legacy among the game’s greats.
Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Oilers and Panthers is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 4, at Rogers Place.
