This playoff run has felt different for Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, though they are now back in the same place.
They have advanced to their second Stanley Cup Final in a row , again against Florida after losing a seven-game series to the Panthers last June.
"I think we're better for going through last year. It's a great learning experience and it's really driven us all year," McDavid, their captain, said after the Oilers wrapped up their second Western Conference title in a row. "This run has felt different than last year. It's felt very normal. ... I don't want to say boring because it's not boring at all. It hasn't been as emotional."
Edmonton won in its first clinching opportunity in all three series so far this postseason. After losing their first two games at Los Angeles in the opening round, the Oilers won four in a row against the Kings, took out Vegas in five games and then did the same to the Dallas Stars in a West final rematch that ended with a 6-3 win Thursday night.
Game 1 of their Stanley Cup rematch is Wednesday night in Edmonton.