Connor McDavid tries to follow Wayne Gretzky’s path with Oilers in tough Final

Connor McDavid is getting ready for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers. The team will face the Florida Panthers again, just like in 2024. Last year, the Oilers lost the game.

Now, McDavid gets a second chance. This is his second Final in a row. Many fans are saying he might follow the path of NHL greats Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby.

McDavid’s second chance mirrors Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby’s paths

In 2024, Connor McDavid and the Oilers lost to the Panthers in the Final. It was a hard series. But now, in 2025, they will play the same team again. This gives McDavid a rare chance- a rematch for the Cup. Wayne Gretzky went through the same thing. In 1983, Gretzky and the Oilers lost to the New York Islanders.

But in 1984, they came back stronger. They beat the Islanders 4–1 and won the Cup. Gretzky scored 35 points in that playoff run. That was his first Stanley Cup win and the start of a great era for Edmonton.

Sidney Crosby also had a similar story. In 2008, Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Detroit Red Wings in the Final. Then, in 2009, they played them again. This time, Crosby’s team won in Game 7. He was only 21 years old.

He became the youngest captain to win the Stanley Cup since 1895. Now, Connor McDavid is in the same spot. He lost once, and now he gets another shot. Fans are watching closely to see if he can do what Gretzky and Crosby did.Also Read: “What The Hell?”: Oilers' Fans Lose It As Connor McDavid Breaks Superstition By Touching The Campbell Trophy

McDavid’s playoff numbers and leadership raise hope for redemption

Connor McDavid has played well in this year’s playoffs. According to official NHL stats, he is only the fourth player in history to get 20 or more points in four straight postseasons. He has been a big reason the Oilers made it this far again.In a recent media interaction posted on NHL.com, McDavid said, “We’ve worked hard all year to be back here. We know what we’re facing.” The Oilers have looked stronger this season. They won games with solid defense and fast offense.Fans and experts believe McDavid has what it takes to win. If he does, he’ll join a special group of stars — just like Wayne Gretzky in 1984 and Sidney Crosby in 2009.