Each team has the experience of a recent Stanley Cup Final appearance. The Golden Knights won it in 2023 before losing a seven-game series to the Dallas Stars in the first round last season. The Oilers are coming off last season's Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final.

The Edmonton Oilers lost a heartbreaking series to the Vegas Golden Knights two years ago, and now they’re expecting a different outcome in the rematch. The key players are still in the picture, as nine skaters and one goalie are expected to dress in Game 1 for the Oilers who were part of that 2023 matchup.

The Golden Knights focused their efforts two years ago on limiting Oilers stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, a successful strategy that gave Vegas the series victory and helped put it on the path to winning the Stanley Cup.