Connor McDavid Says Oilers' 2nd Trip to Stanley Cup Final Feels 'Very Normal'

Ahead of a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final for a rematch with the Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid told reporters that this season's journey to the Cup "feels very normal" compared to last year.

"It's different in the sense that it feels less big, you know? Last year felt monumental. Very dramatic. This year feels very normal," McDavid said, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "It's easier to play and function when it's just another day."

McDavid also noted that he's "more comfortable" returning to play for the Cup now as well.

"I would say it's just dealing with the emotion of it [better]. There's a big circus. It can feel like it's larger than it is, but at the end of the day it's another series. We're playing another great team and you've got to beat them before anything else happens. So they have our complete focus," he said.

McDavid was tremendous in last year's Cup (and the entire playoffs), posting three goals and eight assists for 11 points in the Final to cap off a postseason where he had 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists) en route to the Conn Smythe Trophy.

However, Edmonton struggled mightily out of the gate against Florida, losing its first three games by a combined score of 11-4.

Edmonton then got scorching hot, scoring 18 goals in three games to tie the series at three. However, Florida rebounded to win Game 7 at home, 2-1 to take the Cup.

This time around, Edmonton has the home-ice advantage. Per DraftKings Sportsbook, the Oilers have the slight edge as -130 favorites.

Ultimately, it's clear McDavid and the Oilers are laser-focused on the task at hand as they search for Edmonton's first Stanley Cup since 1990. Game 1 starts Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.