This was Wednesday’s first home game in just shy of four months and shone a stark light on what a difference a summer can make.
Despite dropping off in the final few games, the Owls finished six places and seven points above the Potters last season.
That was before Wednesday’s wretched summer though.
In contrast to the beleaguered South Yorkshire side, Stoke enjoyed a full pre-season schedule under experienced boss Mark Robins and added quality to their group with Wales international Thomas and Manchester City loanee Mubama, both of whom were excellent at Hillsborough.
Wednesday, meanwhile, were unable to add a single signing because of registration restrictions and saw several key senior players leave.
Just as they had in the opening day defeat at Leicester, they battled gamely and Liam Palmer and Barry Bannan both forced smart saves from Viktor Johansson, the latter with an acrobatic overhead kick.
That was as good as it got for them and Stoke, who have gone top of the table having won both of their opening games with three goals in each match, won at a canter.
In a much more open looking division than previous years the Potters will feel they are well placed to challenge in the top half.
New Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen will hope for some resolutions to their off-field problems sooner rather than later.