The Edmonton Oilers are on the doorstep of their first trip to the Stanley Cup Final since the 2005-06 season, with just one win separating them from the ultimate prize in hockey. Led by superstar Connor McDavid, the Oilers have battled their way through the playoffs, overcoming longstanding flaws in their roster to reach this point.

In their pivotal Game 5 win against the Dallas Stars, the Oilers showcased one of their best overall performances of the postseason. Everything seemed to click for them, as their power play finally found success with two goals. Additionally, the team displayed a strong defensive game, shutting down the powerful Stars lineup, while goalie Stuart Skinner redeemed himself with a standout performance.

The Oilers' journey to this critical juncture serves as a reminder of their volatile performance from game to game. When all elements come together, they appear as the best team in hockey, pointing towards an inevitable championship. However, consistency has not always been their strong suit. The challenge now lies in piecing together another impressive performance in Game 6 and silencing the doubts that have followed them in recent years.

Key players have stepped up for the Oilers during the playoffs, with defenseman Evan Bouchard raising his game even further. After an outstanding regular season, Bouchard has recorded an impressive 25 points in 17 playoff games, already ranking among the sixth-most prolific defensemen in a single postseason. With potential future games, the record of 30 points held by Paul Coffey, Brian Leetch, and Al MacInnis could be within reach.

Another significant breakthrough for the Oilers came in their power play unit, which had been shut out in the first four games of the series. However, in Game 5, they finally broke through with two goals, converting on an impressive 34.7 percent of their power plays in the playoffs. This places them second in NHL history for power play conversion among teams that have played at least 15 games in a single postseason.

Game 5 also saw a surprising contribution from defenseman Philip Broberg, who was added to the Oilers' lineup. He immediately made an impact by scoring the team's third goal, providing crucial insurance. Broberg's ability to step up in unexpected moments exemplifies the importance of contributions from unexpected sources during the playoffs.

While goalie Stuart Skinner has faced criticism for his overall numbers in the playoffs, his recent performances have given the Oilers exactly what they need in net. Skinner has allowed two goals or fewer in six of his past seven starts, proving to be a reliable presence between the pipes.

As the Oilers prepare for Game 6 against the Stars, the odds are in their favor. Leading the series 3-2, the Oilers are favored at -350, while the Stars' odds stand at +280, according to BetMGM. With the chance to clinch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, Oilers fans will be hoping for another dominant performance from their team on Sunday night.

In conclusion, the Oilers are on the cusp of achieving a long-awaited trip to the Stanley Cup Final, backed by exceptional performances and significant contributions from their players. With the flaws of the past slowly being addressed, the Oilers have a golden opportunity to create history and silence the doubters once and for all.