Oilers had massive disadvantage in this year's Stanley Cup Final

The Oilers went through a gauntlet of teams through four rounds in the playoffs, based on Hockey Stathead's ratings of opponents. The Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, and especially Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers were extremely difficult matchups, and it literally proved to be a historically difficult playoffs.

Especially in the final two rounds, the Stars, Panthers, and surely the Oilers were all seen as legitimate Stanley Cup Threats. By the time the final rolled along, this must have been a heavy disadvantage to the Oilers. The playoffs are always a battle of attrition, and going up against top ranking teams repeatedly would significantly wear down the players. By the last games of the Cup Final, it was pretty evident that few Oilers players were even close to being fully healthy.

In this upcoming season, the Oilers need to make it a priority to be more consistent through the regular season, and finish the year as high in the standings as possible. They're currently the betting favourites to win the President's Trophy, which if they do, would lock in an easier playoff schedule with home ice advantage. With those small benefits, the Oilers playoffs could look much different - especially given the fact the Oilers look unbeatable at home in the playoffs.

With another year of experience, motivation, and building championship habits, plenty of hockey fans have full belief that the Oilers will storm their way back to the Cup Final next year, and take care of unfinished business.

Source: HockeyStathead