Connor McDavid did not mince words in the Edmonton Oilers’ exit press conference on Tuesday, admitting that anything short of Stanley Cup glory is considered a failure for the Alberta team.

“It’s Cup or bust for this group,” the superstar told the assembled media. “Where everyone [on the Oilers] is at in their career, that’s the expectation.”

The Oilers met the media two days after having their season ended at home against the Vegas Golden Knights, who dispatched them in six games despite McDavid’s 10-point series.

McDavid’s sentiments echo those of fans and reporters who feel the world’s best player is due for a taste of legitimate postseason success.

The fact that teammate Leon Draisaitl has also played at an MVP level for years heightens those expectations. He sat beside McDavid on Monday.

The German, who scored 13 goals in the 2023 playoffs and is third all-time in postseason scoring per game, said that attention to detail would be essential to avoiding another tumble next season.