Edmonton Oilers chase a third straight Western Conference Final, while Florida Panthers seek a third straight Cup; Oilers face goaltending uncertainty, leadership turnover, and a push to integrate youth, with a potential trade deadline goalie upgrade. West contenders abound—Vegas, Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, Los Angeles—and the league-wide chatter hints at a wide-open playoff picture. The World Cup 2028 discussion adds international intrigue as teams recalibrate for the post-Olympics window.