The Edmonton Oilers have clinched their place in the Stanley Cup Final, driven by the exceptional performance of their star center, Connor McDavid. On Thursday night, the Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars 6-3 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, winning the series 4-1 to advance to the NHL’s biggest stage.
As McDavid commanded the ice with skill and determination, his wife, Lauren Kyle, gained attention for her enthusiastic social media presence that helped energize the Edmonton fanbase during this playoff run.
The Role of Lauren Kyle in Edmonton’s Championship Atmosphere
Lauren Kyle, McDavid’s wife, celebrated the win by sharing an excited Instagram story captioned Finals baby!!!!, capturing the elation of the moment as the Oilers secured their victory. The clip also included a poignant shot of McDavid during the handshake line, symbolizing the triumph that resonated through their personal and professional lives.
Kyle, originally from Toronto, has been a steady figure throughout McDavid’s NHL journey since they met in 2016. The couple married in July 2023 and she relocated to Edmonton to stand by his side while becoming actively involved in the community there.
Earlier in the week, Kyle celebrated her own milestone by hosting the soft opening of Bar Trove, an upscale bar located in downtown Edmonton. This new business venture reflects her background in interior design, combining elegant aesthetics with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. The event attracted notable attendees such as Celeste Desjardins, fiancée of Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, along with Rachel Gagner, wife of former Oilers player Sam Gagner.
The bar offers guests a sophisticated environment featuring stylish decor with a fireplace surrounded by crystals and candles, complemented by seafood offerings and craft cocktails. Despite her new enterprise, Kyle’s unwavering support for McDavid and the team is evident, with her enthusiastic social media post fueling excitement among fans across Edmonton.
McDavid’s Impactful Performance Leads Oilers Past the Stars
In Game 5, Connor McDavid once again demonstrated why he is considered the world’s best player by scoring a goal and assisting another, elevating his playoff total to eight points in the series. His crucial second-period goal came immediately after the Dallas Stars narrowed the score to 3-2. McDavid seized a loose puck, deftly outpaced Dallas winger Roope Hintz, and finished with precision to extend Edmonton’s lead.
This goal adjusted the game’s momentum, quelling a Dallas comeback attempt and reinforcing McDavid’s status as a playmaker at critical moments. The tally marked McDavid’s sixth goal of the postseason and underscored his dominant influence throughout the playoffs.
That’s a Connor McDavid kind of play,
said Corey Perry.
That’s just the player that he is.
Over 16 playoff games, McDavid leads all scorers with 26 points, firmly establishing himself as the key driving force behind Edmonton’s success. For the second consecutive year, the Oilers have eliminated the Stars in the Western Conference Final, doing so in five games this time after a six-game victory last year.
McDavid’s playoff point total ranks among the best in recent NHL history. To tie Wayne Gretzky’s record of 47 points in a single postseason, McDavid would need to accumulate 22 more points as the Oilers prepare for their next challenge.
Looking Ahead to the Stanley Cup Final Rematch
The Oilers will face the Florida Panthers in a highly anticipated rematch, following last season’s seven-game series won by Florida. This time, Edmonton will enjoy home-ice advantage as the series begins Saturday, June 7, at Rogers Place.
After decades without a Stanley Cup, the city of Edmonton and its fervent fanbase are rallying behind McDavid and the Oilers with renewed optimism. The combination of McDavid’s outstanding form and Lauren Kyle’s inspirational support is fueling a deep hope that this long championship drought, last ending in 1990, could finally come to an end.