The Edmonton Oilers season completed on Monday afternoon. After a hard-fought series against the Florida Panthers, the boys eventually lost in a close Game 7. They were one goal, one save, and one play away from winning it all. They were as close as you can be to the cup. Despite what all the trolls/haters say and think, it ultimately was a good season for the group.
Sure, there’s the “cup or bust” phrase that went around the organization for the past year, but they still have a window here to win the whole thing, especially when Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid extend here. Personally speaking, I wasn’t all too upset after the loss. This will just drive even more motivation to win it all again next year. I know people are still hurt after this loss, so, in a different way of doing things, instead of showcasing each game and it’s positives and negatives, let’s just talk about the positives during this incredible run against the Panthers, alright?
Resiliency from the roster
If there’s one thing that the Oilers have shown this season, it’s that they won’t go down without a fight. They won’t die. This was clearly evident in the regular season where they were 2–9–1 and tied for dead last in the league. They fired the coach and went on an incredible run in December and January that saved their season.
After an easy first round against the Los Angeles Kings, they went up against the Vancouver Canucks. Falling down 3–2 in the series, the Oilers stormed right back to win Games 6 and 7. Now, against the Panthers, they were down 3–0 in the series. Everyone counted them out and were preparing for the boys to lose in four or five games. The Oilers didn’t give up, however. Winning 8–1 on home ice for Game 4, winning the special teams battle in Game 5, and an absolute shutdown of the Panthers in Game 6. They forced Game 7, something no one saw coming.
It was a blast and a breathe of air to not see this team give up and die. In previous years, the Oilers would be deflated, they would doubt themselves. This year’s Oilers showed the hockey world that no lead in a game/series is safe and that if you give them an opportunity, they will come back and make you pay. This is a trait that championship teams have and separates playoff contenders like the Oilers, Knights, Panthers, and Colorado Avalanche from the playoff pretenders like the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The penalty kill and depth showing up
Man. Heading into the playoffs, if you were to tell me that Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark would be considered unsung heroes in our run, I’d call you nuts. The duo was the most important unit on the Oilers PK.
In the L.A. series, they didn’t allow a single goal. In the Canucks series, they went 17/20 or an 85% success rate. Once again, versus the Dallas Stars, they went 100%. In Game 4, Janmark scored a beautiful two-on-one goal with Brown to put the Oilers up 3–2 in that game. That goal was the game winner.
Against Florida, not only did they only allow one goal against, but they got TWO shorthanded goals, in Games 4 and 5. Both goals were the first goal scored in their retrospective games and gave the Oilers much needed momentum. Outstanding work by Janny, Brown, and Mark Stuart, the tactician of the kill.
Guys like Adam Henrique scored three goals in the Final, Dylan Holloway broke out on a line with Draisaitl, and Ryan McLeod and Warren Foegele who were quiet from the first three rounds, made their mark in the final games of the playoffs.
McDavid still exceeding expectations
Connor McDavid broke records, literal records during the Oilers run this postseason. What makes it more crazy is the fact that he had an abdominal injury since the start of the playoffs. McDavid’s 42 points in 23 games was so impressive that he was the first player not on the winning team since JS Gigure to win the Conn Smythe. Could you imagine how much damage a fully healthy McDavid could do? I guess we have to wait for next year to answer that question. Nevertheless, it was another historic year for 97, although I doubt he cares too much about the Conn Smythe.
Going forward
I know that this loss hurts to most fans and we all know it’s hard to get back to the Cup Final. Nothing is a guarantee. However, I truly believe that within two years this team will be back in the Cup Final. This might be the homer in me speaking but hear me out. Some of the older players will be gone while younger, cheaper players fill their positions. McDavid and Draisaitl will still be here and guys like Holloway, Skinner, Broberg, Bouchard and youngsters like Akey, Wanner, and Lavoie will all continue to grow and improve. Guys like RNH and Hyman may be on the decline but both should still be solid ~55-60p middle six contributors.
Don’t forget trading for guys at the deadline as well. I have full faith in Kris Knoblauch and Jeff Jackson to get this team to the promise land. This loss will just make lifting the cup that much better. The 2024–25 season will be a treat to watch. I cannot wait.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
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