For the third game in a row the Edmonton Oilers gave up a three goal lead to start the game, and it cost them the cup.

Just an upsetting way to go out.

The Oilers lost the game 5-1, with their lone goal coming far, far too late in the game for it to mean anything. Edmonton looked a step behind all game, and it never seemed in doubt that the Panthers would take Game 6.

Losing Zach Hyman during the Western Conference Finals was fatal in retrospect. Without the top 6 forward, Edmonton’s depth shrunk. Meanwhile, the Panther’s deadline pickups Brad Marchand and Seth Jones played instrumental roles on the other side.

The Panthers outscored the Oilers 13-4 in the first period during this Stanley Cup finals. They led for 256 minutes. Florida was the better team this year.

Edmonton had flashes of greatness throughout the playoffs, but ultimately they couldn’t get past the finish line. Goaltending continues to be a sore spot for the franchise. Depth scoring dried up at the worst time of the year. Injuries played a massive factor as well – players like Mattias Elkholm were clearly unfit to skate during the final few games.

It’s going to be a long offseason. Losing twice in the finals is brutal, losing to the same team twice in the finals is straight up depressing.

Can this team make it back to the finals? Sure, but this is two years in a row where the entire team has shrunk away when it matters most. You have to ask: at what point have you learned enough lessons? How many more lessons are there to learn? The Oilers have lost to the Cup winners four years in a row. What did those teams have that the Oilers can’t seem to muster? Why can they dig in when it matters most?

All questions that the Oilers will have to ask themselves over the summer.

On to next season.