After an up-and-down 2025-26 NHL season for the Edmonton Oilers, they were good enough to secure home ice advantage in their first round Stanley Cup Playoff matchup against the Anaheim Ducks.
Although being able to secure home ice is an advantage, there are other advantages that play in the Oilers favour heading into the series.
Oilers have the star power
On their roster, the Oilers have the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner and a player regarded as one of the best (if not the best) in the entire world, Connor McDavid. He has the ability to completely tip the scales in the Oilers' favour and take over shifts and entire games, he is a true game breaker. He is also a proven playoff performer having captured the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2024, despite losing in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Then, the Oilers have the greatest German hockey player of all-time, Leon Draisaitl. He is one of the NHL's premier snipers and has been able to add a solid two-way element, providing even more value for the Oilers. He himself is arguably a top-five or ten player in the entire league.
Finally, star defenceman and should be Norrist Trophy candidate, Evan Bouchard. Although he was passed over for the Canadian Olympic team, Bouchard has proven he is one of the top offensive defencemen in the entire world, leading the NHL is scoring for his position.
Although the Ducks have some high end talent themselves, the team is mainly dominated by young and unproven players. They are highlighted by Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Beckett Sennecke, and Jackson LaCombe amongst others. The Ducks have a good team with multiple players that can step up.
Oilers have Stanley Cup playoff experience
One of the things that many young teams struggle with is having the ability to close out games, especially in a high stakes environment like the playoffs. The pressure does get turned up from the regular season to the postseason and it takes time for that to be overcome. This is something that could harm the Ducks' chances of progressing beyond the first round.
On the other hand, the Oilers' have been there before, and much further. After back to back Stanley Cup Finals appearances, the Oilers have developed the killer instincts required to put a series home. A first round series should in theory be a walk in the park, but the Ducks should still not be counted out easily.
The Oilers as well, have many high impact players and the depth to have multiple players who could step up and breakout during these playoffs.
Add us as a preferred source on Google