Connor McDavid says Oilers ‘banging our heads against the wall’ after second straight Stanley Cup Final loss

For the second year running, Connor McDavid and the Oilers approached near the Stanley Cup only to fall to the Florida panthers. After two playoff toll with little to show, McDavid was looking for answers.

Although there will be critics in his final performance of the Stanley Cup, McDavid has now brought two exceptional publications for the Oilers. His 33 points were tied with his teammate Leon Draisaitl for the Playoffs, and there were 10 more than Sam Reinhart, the next closest player.

Perhaps the most devastating part of this series for the Oilers was the way they finished. Between a key game 5 in Edmonton and the opportunity to force a winner of all earnings in Edmonton, they put eggs on their back. Edmonton surpassed 10-3 in the last two games of the series, as the defense of the Panthers stifled McDavid and Co.

As the series took place, the defense of the Panthers quenched the life of Oilers’ offense, a turn at the same time. McDavid expressed his frustration with Edmonton’s inability to adapt to what Florida was doing.

“Obviously, his point of view was fantastic,” said McDavid. “They tilted the track. They could be over us all over the place. They could never generate any impulse in the ice. It continued to try the same things again and again, giving our heads against the wall. The credits to them. They played well.”

The other advantage of the Panthers, which also became more evident with each game that happened, was deep. Florida had three full lines that could affect the game in all areas. The same could not be said for Edmonton, which was heavier even before losing Zach Hyman in the conference finals.

“They have great players,” said McDavid. “How many boys had 20 more points in the post -season? They are as deep as it comes.”

To answer McDavid’s question, six panthers finished the playoffs with at least 20 points. Eetu Luostarinen (19) and Anton Lundell (18) were just at the door.

Edmonton, meanwhile, got four players to reach this 20 -point threshold. The next closest player was Corey Perry, 40, with 14. The oilers could simply not match the panthers from top to bottom in a long, tax series.

McDavid also told journalists that he has “a lot of confidence and belief” in the team moving forward. Meanwhile, what can McDavid say to his colleagues after another devastating final loss of the Stanley Cup?

“Nothing to say, really,” McDavid said. “Everyone is disappointed.”