Shortly after he was drafted, Connor McDavid arrived in Edmonton for the 2015 orientation camp for rookies. I called it the mother of all camps, and wrote “Beatlemania—Oilers edition begins now. He honestly seems to good to be true, on and off the ice. It’s incredible, he’s as obsessed with hockey as we are! Fantastic luck.”
In the seven years after, we have been shocked and awed by McDavid’s brilliance, the one imperfection being the team’s playoff record. Do the Oilers add to the record tonight with a win? If the club is to be victorious, there’s no doubt the captain will be central to the story.
THE ATHLETIC!
- New DNB: For Edmonton Oilers, Game 7 stakes vs. Kings are simply enormous
- Lowetide: What’s Oilers prospect Dylan Holloway’s future fit on depth chart?
- DNB: When the Edmonton Oilers needed them most, McDavid and Draisaitl rose to the occasion
- Lowetide: How Oilers can finally fix salary cap nightmare
- DNB: Five reasons why Oilers are facing elimination against Kings after Game 5
- DNB and Lisa Dillman: Why Oilers-Kings series has been a roller coaster through 4 games
- Lowetide: Reasonable expectations for Oilers could not see chaos ahead
- New DNB: How do Oilers solve depth issues up front after first shutout loss of Jay Woodcroft era?
- Lowetide: Early look at Oilers’ options for 2022 NHL Draft
- DNB: Mike Smith a big part of Oilers win in Game 3
- DNB and Lisa Dillman: Inside Oilers-Kings matchup between Jay Woodcroft and Todd McLellan
- Lowetide: Why Oilers line up as summer trade partner with Ducks
- DNB: Oilers’ Derek Ryan’s under-the-radar play instrumental in Game 2 success
- DNB: A long travel day, dim lights at morning skate and who’s on the real PP1?
- DNB: Oilers end seven-game postseason losing streak, a party five long years in the making
- Lowetide: 5 biggest Bakersfield Condors stories from 2021-22 AHL season
- DNB: How Dave Manson is making the Oilers blue line better
- Pierre Lebrun: Can Jay Woodcroft’s message help the Oilers move past recent playoff failures?
- DNB: Should Oilers play Jesse Puljujarvi and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on same line?
- DNB: Connor McDavid produces magic, Mike Smith mistake proves costly: 5 Oilers observations
- Lowetide: Oilers regular season report card for 2021-22
- DNB: Mike Smith never stopped fighting. A playoff run would be his ultimate redemption
- Lisa Dillman and Lowetide: Oilers vs. Kings position by position: Who has the edge?
- Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Shayna Goldman: Inside Oilers’ adjustments that saved their season
- Lowetide: Oilers’ exceptional April saves a turbulent regular season
- Lowetide: Stock up or down for every prospect in the Oilers system
DYLAN HOLLOWAY
The article I wrote at The Athletic about Holloway discussed the difference between the visual (Holloway is a splendid AHL player, an impact forward) and his shy math (.62 points-per-game going in to yesterday’s action, including regular season and playoffs). Holloway went 2-1-3 in his final Condors season of the year, including nine shots! It’s damnable luck the AHL season is over for Edmonton’s prospects.
TOTAL RECALL
If the Oilers win tonight, we may see some recalls from the minors. In the spring of 2017, the team carried several extra players through the spring. Here’s the roster, with scratches/minor league players underlined.
- Goalie: Cam Talbot, Laurent Brossoit, Nick Ellis
- Left Defense: Oscar Klefbom, Andrej Sekera, Darnell Nurse, Griffin Reinhart, Jordan Oesterle, Joey Laleggia
- Right Defense: Adam Larsson, Kris Russell, Matt Benning, Eric Gryba, Mark Fayne
- Center: Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Mark Letestu, David Desharnais, Jujhar Khaira, Anton Lander
- Left Wing: Patrick Maroon, Mlan Lucic, Drake Caggiula, Benoit Pouliot, Matt Hendricks
- Right Wing: Leon Draisaitl, Jordan Eberle, Zack Kassian, Anton Slepyshev, Iiro Pakarinen
That’s seven “Black Aces” (everyone underlined save for Gryba, Hendricks and I think Pakarin). If the Oilers recall seven, I’ll guess Stuart Skinner, Philip Broberg, Markus Niemelainen, Dylan Holloway, Tyler Benson, Brendan Perlini and Brad Malone, but I could also see Seth Griffith, Cooper Marody, Raphael Lavoie and Mike Kesselring getting the call. Either way, a fun wrinkle on the season.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE DAY OF GAME SEVEN
The most vivid Game 7 in my memory was 1987 in the SCF. I recall it being a poor day in terms of weather, kind of matched my mood. You have to remember it was one year after the 1986 debacle and loss to the Calgary Flames, and despite the 1986-87 Oilers being my favourite team all-time I didn’t know that the morning of the game.
Murray Craven scored early in the first, Mark Messier answered later in the period. Jari Kurri scored the winning goal in the second, but again I didn’t know it. My lasting memory from that game, aside from a never ending respect for the Philadelphia Flyers, was Glenn Anderson’s goal that made it 3-1. It came with 2:24 left, assist to Charlie Huddy. Grant Fuhr in net, Kent Nilsson, Craig Muni and Reijo Ruotsalainen win their first Stanley. Wayne Gretzky hands the Cup to Steve Smith, and the magic of that glorious team is completed in that instant. Gives me chills even now.
For tonight, the stakes are high for this team because the build has been so slow and frustrating. No one thought it would take this long to be in a position to win the second playoff series of the McDavid era, but this is the way. I don’t know what happens to this franchise if the Oilers lose tonight, but do know that this evening offers a glorious chance for the team to break the glass ceiling, and find a way to a brand new day.
It’s Saturday in Edmonton, the biggest hockey game in many years will be played downtown tonight. It is a rare time when knights earn the chance to slay the dragon in the town square, but we are here. Godspeed, Edmonton Oilers. Whatever may come, whatever may go, that river’s flowing and there’s a place where we belong.
The Oilers are not allowed to win a PP draw thats the rule.
A marvelous game with McDavid’s sublime skill tormenting the Kings all evening; the nice touch was the backhand dagger. McDavid is not just emboldening the passions of current fans, but he is simulataneously applying a balm to the franchise’s historic scars. I chuckled to myself watching Connor seal the Kings fate with the type of goal Gretzky had weaponized to perfection for both franchises…I prefer the resolution to the tilt yesterday juxtaposed to the match on October 15, 1989. May the new King of hockey reign forever (in Oilers silks).
For those worried about McDavid’s TOI.
Yes, he played 27+ minutes last night. On the series though he’s only averaged 21:41, which is less than his season average of 22:04.
I don’t see much reason for concern, at this stage at least.
Yup, still feels great this morning!
There’s lots of work left to do of course, but that was a dominant effort to clinch round 1 (and throw that gorilla off their back).
A few people mentioned the word proud last night. I’m feeling a bit of that too, with that 60 minute performance.
I think this team can win another round or more. I’m glad we get to keep following.
I noticed Mikko being pretty smily in the on-ice celebrations and now see this video of Shore being really jacked up:
https://twitter.com/Archivistttt/status/1525817290586873856
I’m not sure it really “means anything” but its really heartening to me and I think its a good sign of what the room is like. I may be grasping.
I’ve been a rich man, and I’ve been a poor man. And I choose rich every f***in’ time!
I would just like to say that despite the obvious X factor being every single McD shift, the jumping puck catch to keep the offensive line by Yamo (our shortest player) on the first goal, was the unsung play of the game for me.
Agreed! He did it with confidence and that puck was up there too. A pretty impressive vertical on skates.
As thrilled as I am, I don’t think we can expect multiple shutouts and touchdowns against our next opponents. And LA was not an easy out.
Going forward, the team really needs to dig in. We’re going to see what they’re really made of as the games progress and become increasingly contested.
I think we can’t underestimate the value in going through this experience as a team. You’ve got a lot of young guys learning what real playoff hockey is like. Advancing the puck at all costs, closing gaps even tighter, never giving up on every board battle etc. You could see the difference that experience makes in the 3rd period of the Tampa/Leafs game.
LA was not an easy out, but when it mattered, with 29 on one leg and Quick channeling 2012, this ragtag group brought a decisive performance… 12 more please!
As of this moment, the Edmonton Oilers represent Canada’s hopes
So proud of this team! McDavid was incredible as we all know, but this team collectively
found a way to win tonight despite the league’s attempt to diminish PP in a series where special teams vastly favoured the Oilers, despite running into a hot goalie, and despite lacking some luck and finish.
They played through holds and slashes, limited chances in the D zone, picked off many Kings passes, and moved as a 5 man unit, covering one another all over the ice.
Still some serious worries, about how sustainable playing McDavid 25+ minutes a night is going to be, whether Draisaitl can continue to play through his injuries, and whether Nurse can get some of his mobility back soon. Also, not sure what is keeping Jesse from helping out in the top 6.
Next man up for now, and whether they have what it takes to go further, this is progress and very encouraging if some of these worries are addressed.
McDominating!
What a game by the maestro!
Great great game with so many great performances, but man, the stress. This is not an enjoyable pastime at all.
Congratulations to Woody – he has certainly found the solution to the McD off ice scoring problems.
If you can watch the game while working out, it really helps with the stress.
This sounds like witchcraft
Mike Smith exorcising some playoff demons
What a game! McD is an absolute beauty.
Happy for LT. 1/2 favourite teams winning game 7 is not bad.
Leafs lose
Oilers win
Leon’s better get some flyers reprinted and get the sales stickers on Pronto cause Christmas in July came early!
I’m thrilled to be eating crow!!! Thought this team was done after Game 5. They come back and play two masterful games.
McDavid drove the bus tonight, but there were no passengers. Nuge, Hyman, Yama and even Kassian, were all excellent. The whole team really.
Where’s Archie thought he played great tonight.
I thought the forwards played well in the defensive zone – there wasn’t a lot of 10 bell chances for the Kings and the Oilers seemed to come up with the loose pucks and win the board battles
Everyone played well and Smith was great when they did give up a chance
This team could go on a run playing like that
A steamroller performance, really. That type of play would be difficult for any team to overcome. McDavid is driven and the team is committed to a winning style. Lookout!!
Started with Gretzky Maple early 2nd period, within 2 mins of my first pour they scored.
I then moved on to the Gretzky ice cask in 3rd( only 2 oz left). They scored within 2 sec of my first glorious sip.
Anyone know where to find more Gretzky ice cask in Calgary?
That’s the game we’ve been waiting for.
Everyone was on. McD like Aragorn, accepting his fate.
Let’s go.
Tonights game reminded me of game 6 in 2006.
I was REALLY hoping we didn’t get 2006 game 7 tonight.
Or game seven in 1987
Game 1 in 1984, Ceci = Mclelland
Fuhr made some unbelievable saves and Mclelland who was tough as nails scored the biggest Goal in franchise history.
Do we get Cuthbert on the call now? Thats going to bring back the memories of the 90s
Haha this was one of my first thoughts as well.
That would be great, Chris Cuthbert is the best.
El mejor del mundo.
If Dallas wins the series likely won’t start till Wednesday as Avril is singing Skater boiz at Rogers on Thursday.
Hmph… Pretty sure we already performed that number tonight…
So if Dallas wins we have home ice. I didn’t think about that until now.
if fLames win, … don’t f*^&ing matter, but travel will be easier.
Tonight’s Oilers are boss.
Which series goes first the Av’s and Blues are the Oilers hopefully were up second which will give Leon and Nurse a extra day of rest.
Dater said he’s heard the Avs/Blues will start Tues which would mean the Oilers probably start Wed.
And hopefully against a beat up Dallas team.
Surely the Avs/Blues since they’ve both already finished their series, right?
Of course no suspension for zadorov. Nhl says big guy hitting a smaller guy
Brown raving about Yams’s play to flip the puck for McLightning to chase down that led to the goal.
Final Shots
EDM 42
LA 28
Domination!
https://youtu.be/aDACorIaxNw
Way to be boys!
Barrie and Ceci with last two gwg on wrist shots. Wouldn’t have bet on that
And yet point shots are “hated”…
Neither was really a point shot. Barrie was in the high slot. And Ceci had snuck in.
Neither of those were point shots, though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQjwt956qPg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXDBsNurH7Y
I’m not against point shots, but not from a volume perspective. There’s a big difference between Sekera letting loose and a Bouch bomb, as a for instance. Not many guys have the torque to let fly like MacInnis or Weber could from the line, so they’re generally low percentage shots. Similarly, not a lot of defensemen can play the boards like Lidstrom to generate second chances.
It’s not about percentages
If you mean to pick your spots, I’d agree.
What I was getting at, is we’ve had few players who could wire home a shot from the point in the last eon.
Mainly though, those two wrist shots weren’t from the point.
No, what I mean is that if you don’t take them, the D cheats low and takes away cross-seams and backdoors. You must take point shots as a team.
What you get out of them is gravy. (And some Dmen bring a lot of gravy)
Thing is I don’t even care who we play. Sure BOA would be fun but I’m just stoked we’re going to round 2. Beating Calgary would be fun of course but I just want to play anyone and win and move on. It’s just been to long.
Are Hart trophy votes made public? If so, anyone who doesn’t vote for Connor should forfeit their right to vote in the next federal election
You realize they are submitted before the playoffs start right?
All the ballots are made public.
Of note, the votes are done prior to the playoffs.
Yeah I had brain fog as I typed that. I’m still standing by my main point though 😉
Kings gave everything they had plus a bit more … no shame in losing this series in seven games to the Oil. One hell of an opening series. Really looking forward to some incredible hockey next week.
Jonesy asking a cringe worthy question… what do you expect when you ask Connor to speak to his greatness in a playoff game?
Couldn’t have made up a worse follow up, asking Ceci to compare the loss in TOR to the win in EDM. Jesus Murphy, Jones.
Not to be outdone, by himself, Terry asks Leon to reflect on playing through his injuries. “I’m fine,” Leon replies.
*facepalm.
Someone get Jones a program; guy cannot follow the play.
Rishaug asked Leon to comment on Connor’s play.
Leon: “You could see it in his eyes.”
Hall of Fame sportswriter loses the plot.
Story at 11.
I hate Jones’ questions. Geez, how embarassing.
Was a huge fan of TJ in his heyday, hate to see him wither on the vine like this.
He’s a Dinosaur having covered the Oilers since the WHA days. He’s just trying to ask edgy questions which in turn did flop.
No, they’re not edgy questions — they’re lazy.
He has a frame in mind for his articles and he’s hoping the players will fill in the blanks, giving him the quotes he wants instead of working for it with some creativity.
They played one of their best games of the season tonight. McDavid lead the charge. If it wasn’t for Quick and some puck luck, the game would have have been over after 2 periods. The team D was the best it’s been all season long. Looking forward to the 2nd round … I’d rather beat the Stars than the Flames. Flames losing in the first round would be awesome. Beating the Stars in the 2nd round would be better. Go Oilers!
A lot of people want to see The Battle of Alberta (mostly other Canadian fans of other teams). They don’t seem to realize the history between Dallas and Edmonton.
Either or for me.
I think we can win either series. And my hate for Dallas is surpassed by only one team; the fLames.
On one hand, I want to see CGY lose in the first round… ABC baby! Only to be followed up by a thorough drubbing of DAL, because sweet vindication.
On the other hand, I’d love to see a Battle of Alberta. Especially where we send them packing and simultaneously sewer their draft position. Although that potential revenue would bring them closer to a new stadium, which is a downside. But I think the province deserves to see a modern BoA. So I think that’s what I most prefer.
if there was any team I could ever hate as much as the Flames, it would be Dallas.
But the hate is old and mellowed… there’s no Modano or Thatcher anymore.
Seguin and Benn? Meh. Who cares?
On the other hand, the Fmales are still as loathsome as ever.
Tkachuk? Fuck that guy.
Johnny “regular season” Hockey? Piss on ’em all.
You know the smell when you piss on a campfire?
That’s how Roger’s Place smells for a week after a Falmes visit.
Bring on Calgary, Dallas seems irrelevant.
I watched the majority of the game sitting shotgun as my lovely wife made the trip home from our farm in Southern AB. I’ve never seen such a beautiful game on a 6 inch screen. I watched the last 4 minutes sitting in the car in the garage, singing La Bamba. Neighbors are going to have questions.
Great game from quite a few Oilers tonight.
Oilers win and I didn’t get a heart attack. Mission accomplished.
The second period was so dominant; I was nervous that we were only up by one.
Ceci was great. Smith was great. No words to describe McDavid.
Smith did make my ulcer flare up a little in the third period, but all better now.
Well done oilers. Made staying up until 1am my time worth it.
Mcjesus is a beast.
Two great phrases:
“IT’S THE CONNOR MCDAVID SHOW!”
and
“Play La Bamba, baby!”
Holland is a genius. Signing Hyman. Trading Jones for Keith. Bringing back Smith. Taking a chance on Kane. Promoting Woody
Ha, not too many people felt that way at the time of those decisions. Myself included (at least Keith and Kane).
Trading for Kulak.
I will give him credit. He’s had some misses but some of what you mention and Ceci and Kulak were great moves.
I will say, after a few blunderous moves combined with a bunch of successful moves… he’s built us a winner. It’s his team. It’s Connors’ team. Thankfully, it’s our team!!!
LET’S GO OILERS, LET’S GO!!!
And they’re winning in spite of Holland’s stupidity?
Music!
Nice to hear McDavid/Smith say “we’ve got a lot of work left to do.” That’s the kind of attitude you need. Keep your eye on the prize even after a big victory. Don’t make this Game 7 your Stanley Cup….even if it almost feels like one to us long-suffering fans.
Had to listen on the radio. No tv in where we are. Jack Michaels is unbelievable. This is one of the moments where a team realizes it can win. We could really go deep here.
If you’ve got a phone with data, try to stream the game with one of:
nhl66 dot ir
or
bilasport dot net
Thanks. I will definitely give that a go
bilasport has been really bad lately, but https://nhl66.ir/ & https://v2.sportsurge.net/list-hockey are always great (use streameast or crackstreams options on the latter).
Haven’t had to use bilasport in ages, but that’s good to know.
I’ve heard good things about streameast.
As soon as it went 3-2 Kings I had to stop following the game 80% then so sure they were going to lose,
But they pulled through and did it really well.
McDavid makes a believer out of me lol as Don King would say.
Plenty of room on the bandwagon, hop back on. You can even have your old seat.
I think Holloway gets called up and I hope we see him later in the playoffs as the injuries pile up. A fresh Holloway could do some real damage.
He’ll definitely get called up (along with Skiner and Broberg, at least).
He’s 2-3 forward injuries away from playing but it could happen.
I wonder what Woody thinks of him. He coached him up close for a bit (looks like only 7 actual games, though lots longer around the team).
He could be 2-3 injuries away, but it wouldn’t be that surprising if he leapfrogged Shore or Brassard in line either, IMO.
I think he might draw in, in the first game. With a healed wrist and they way his shot is starting to come on he is definitely a viable option.
I’m a little blown away with the way the Oilers played in the last two game – oh my.
I know the voting is done and in. But these last 7 periods is why McDavid is the MVP. Unbelievable really. Not many athletes can do what he just did
Full credit to WoodMan. The contract extension is a guarantee now, and they deserve it.
The coaching is the best we’ve seen in a long long time. The determination to come back after the game 5 loss…insane.
Magnificent!
Puljujarvi is not ready for playoff hockey. Maybe next year.
That is why he only played 6:50.
I thought he and Kass played well in their limited minutes. jP clearly playing with a defensive conscience (fear?)
I liked Kass’s game tonight
Noticed Kassian much more than Jesse in their limited minutes.
He’s gotta be hurt he was avoiding contact which makes him basically useless.
I have been a fervent supporter even when he was in Finland, but his days as an Oiler are looking numbered to me.
nearly lost my voice
Amazing Connor McDavid!
perfect day of hockey!
We win. That is all.
YEESSSSS!!!!
McDavid has turned into Patrick Ewing down low. It’s amazing. He wasn’t doing this before Woodman. He’s rounded into a complete player. Amazing in his own zone. A boss on takeaways. At this point, I think he’s the best player since Gretzky.
We get more playoff hockey!