Oilers Expect to Win Stanley Cup After Back-to-Back Finals Appearances

Edmonton will open playoffs against Ducks after losing in Cup Final each of past 2 seasons

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting an intense hockey playoff game, with the players, puck, and arena rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, orange, and white colors.The Oilers' playoff-tested roster looks to break through and capture the franchise's first Stanley Cup since 1990.Anaheim Today

The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with high expectations, as the team believes its championship window is still open despite an inconsistent regular season. The Oilers have advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past two seasons, but have yet to capture the elusive championship. With a playoff-savvy core group that has played in 75 postseason games over the last four seasons, the Oilers are determined to finally break through and win their first Stanley Cup title.

Why it matters

The Oilers' consistent playoff success and back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances have raised the bar for the team, as anything short of winning the championship will be viewed as a disappointment. The team's core players have gained invaluable playoff experience, which they hope will translate to a long-awaited title.

The details

The Oilers will open the 2026 playoffs at home against the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round. Edmonton has advanced to the Western Conference Final three times and the Stanley Cup Final twice in the past four postseasons, but has fallen short of the ultimate prize, losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games in 2024 and in six games in 2025. The Oilers' playoff-tested roster, led by captain Connor McDavid, forwards Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and defenseman Evan Bouchard, believes the team has the necessary experience and skill to finally capture the Stanley Cup.

  • The Oilers will open the 2026 playoffs on Monday, April 14.
  • Edmonton has advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past two seasons, losing to the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.

The players

Connor McDavid

The Oilers' captain and one of the NHL's elite players, McDavid has played in all 75 of Edmonton's playoff games over the past four seasons.

Leon Draisaitl

The Oilers' star forward has also played in all 75 of Edmonton's playoff games since 2021-22, forming a dynamic duo with McDavid.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The veteran forward has been a key part of the Oilers' playoff runs, appearing in all 75 postseason games alongside McDavid and Draisaitl.

Evan Bouchard

The young defenseman has been a rising star for the Oilers, playing in all 75 of the team's playoff games over the past four seasons.

Darnell Nurse

The defenseman has played in 73 of the Oilers' 75 playoff games since 2021-22, providing stability on the back end.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The expectation is the same as always. We've got a great belief in here. Playoff hockey is unique. It's a skill to win in the playoffs, and we feel pretty good about having that skill, having been there and winning a lot of playoff games.”

— Connor McDavid, Oilers Captain

“The expectation is to win the Stanley Cup. If we lose in the first round or we lose in the Final we're going to be (upset).”

— Zach Hyman, Oilers Forward

“When you talk about playoff experience and it being a factor, when you don't have it, you don't really think it's that important, and when you do have it, you realize it is important.”

— Zach Hyman, Oilers Forward

What’s next

The Oilers will host the Anaheim Ducks in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series on Monday, April 14 at Rogers Place.

The takeaway

The Oilers' consistent playoff success and back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances have raised the bar for the team, as anything short of winning the championship will be viewed as a disappointment. With a playoff-tested core group that has gained invaluable experience, the Oilers are determined to finally break through and capture their first Stanley Cup title.