The Edmonton Oilers have experienced double frustration over the past two seasons, falling short in their quest to win the Stanley Cup in back-to-back finals against the Florida Panthers, despite boasting one of the NHL’s most lethal duos in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
Pressure on the franchise and coaching staff continues to mount as the championship dream remains elusive. Meanwhile, McDavid is becoming a talent of enormous stature, yet the glory of the Stanley Cup continues to evade him while playing for Edmonton.
In this context, a veteran standout on the Oilers, Corey Perry, delivered a bitter end to the franchise’s campaign following the loss to the Panthers. The 40-year-old veteran was candid and shared a message of frustration after losing another crucial Stanley Cup final.
Corey Perry’s statement
“It’s devastating… it doesn’t feel real,” was Perry’s six-word message following the Oilers’ defeat. The 40-year-old right winger made a significant contribution this year, playing 81 games for the Oilers last season and scoring 30 points, including 19 goals and 11 assists.
Being part of two consecutive final losses is painful for any player, especially at a stage in their career when experience matters most. Still, at 40 years old, Perry knows what he wants for his future. “You get ready and move on, we will be ready for the next season hopefully,” Perry said.
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Connor McDavid reveals one condition to sign contract extension with Oilers after second Stanley Cup Final loss vs Panthers
Oilers unable to break their finals losing streak
The loss to the Panthers extends a frustrating streak of three finals lost for the Oilers, who haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1990. After 35 years, the disappointments in 2006, 2024, and 2025 establish a drought that raises serious questions about the team.
