I have strong and distinct memories of deep playoff runs that result in a Stanley Cup victory for the teams I follow. It’s always been thus. When the Bruins won in 1970, we lived in Burns Lake, British Columbia. Our television broke during the final, so I had to listen to the CBC radio call (CBC radio is a wonderful thing). When the announcer said “Orr flies through the air, and scores!” I envisioned him actually flying.
You may have seen it, we’ve all seen the photo, but my memory of that event is one I’ll cherish forever.
In 1984, I remember being nervous before Game 5. The Islanders were absolutely hurt all over the roster, but the final two games were going to be played in Nassau County. In the previous series, the one against the Minnesota North Stars, Edmonton played a complete game in closing out the upstart Minnesotans. Grant Fuhr got hurt in that series, another worry, but he would play the final game of that series. Dino Ciccarelli was the only man to beat him.
I remember that series against the Islanders so well. The 1-0 game that opened the final was so intense I don’t know if I could survive another one like it. Did you know that Wayne Gretzky had a significant goal-scoring drought against the Islanders entering the 1984 final? Wayne freaking Gretzky! It’s true. During the 1982-83 season and playoffs, he had one goal in seven games. This is peak Gretzky, that’s headline news. He scored October 8, then failed to score in two additional regular-season games and all four playoff losses in the final.
In 1983-84, he scored in an 8-5 loss at the end of the game (it was No. 300 of his brilliant career) in mid-December 1983. He mentioned that goal giving him hope entering the 1984 final, as he reflected on Billy Smith’s ability to stone his offensive sorties.
Gretzky would score four times in the 1984 final, including two in Game 4 and Game 5.
The most memorable goal (for me) in Oilers history came in Game 5, on a line change of all things. The Islanders shot the puck into Edmonton’s zone and made for the bench, and (I haven’t seen it in some time) Jari Kurri raced back to retrieve the puck. Kurri sent an absolute bullet pass to 99 who was waiting at the red line (center), where they would place the Yellow Pages sign just a few years later. By the time the Islanders realized what was happening, it was too late. 99 roared into the zone, put a fantastic deke on Billy Smith (who was so hated by Oilers fans it’s difficult to describe) and scored the opener. Five minutes later, Gretzky from Kurri happened again and the legend of Billy Smith saw a sudden end.
TONIGHT’S GAME
There isn’t much to say about tonight, not really. The Oilers are a strong team, built for this moment and able to win a game in more than one way. The dragon is there to be slayed, the opportunity for this team to walk together forever is laid out before them. In their way is another team with the same dream, and after that another team.
The thing about winning the Stanley Cup is that it’s the ultimate ‘so what?’ and it is the toughest thing to win. You beat the Kings? So what? You beat the Canucks? So what? You won a huge Game 4 against Dallas? So what? If anything, the Stanley Cup hurdle adds a little to the end so it becomes ‘so what? F you!’ until a team wins it all.
If the Oilers win tonight, and win this series, a very different opponent will be coming their way from the other conference. It’s going to be madness, I’ll tell you that for sure. The first game of recognizable 2020’s hockey in the series came last night. The previous games were most similar to a Flyers-Bruins tilt maybe 1975. When you are watching a hockey game with flying elbows without Mark Messier or John Ferguson in it, well, that’s an outlier.
If the Oilers do make it all the way and win Stanley this spring, I want you to drink it all in. Notice the sky, the warmth of the sun, the taste of a cold beer in the backyard, the barbecue on a Sunday, the beauty in the woman or man you married, the children you have the honor to raise.
I remember the 1984 win and think of all of the people in my life at that time. It’s a sweet set of memories in a lifetime of blessings. I get emotional at times like those, I cried and so did my friend Lorne Starko. I don’t know if Jo-Anne cried, but I can see her smile and remember her hair (she had a tight perm that she hated at that time. Funny what you remember).
As a fan, I learned it’s about the journey, and the people who are with you as it happens. Please drink it all in, please enjoy this experience win or lose. Someone said we cheer for laundry, and technically that’s true. However, the laundry represents a community, a cause, a group, your group, who have survived long nights driving to the rink in -40 (with a wind chill) when the only reason was Ales Hemsky (who was a very good reason). You enjoy this, dammit. I insist.
We set the stage for a pivotal game on the Lowdown starting at noon today. Guests include Steve Lansky, Tyler Yaremchuk and we’ll have Declanations with Declan Krueger. I might get a little melancholy today, this is a rare time in Oilers history and it’s been some years since we could contemplate a visit from our friend Stanley. We don’t look the same, we’ve lost some beautiful people along the way, but we are here to witness and to chronicle and to laugh and cry. Together. You can reach me at Lowetide on twitter, in the comments section or on the Sports 1440 text line at 1.833.401.1440 directly. Question: Would you like to see an updated 2024 Lowetide draft list later this week?
I’ve been watching lately for McDavid’s reaction when he is on the ice when the Oilers score a goal. For the most part, he has been very reserved as he tends to just casually raise his stick. He definitely subscribes to the “don’t get too high when things are going well” theory. If/when the Oilers win this series, unless he scores in OT, I expect him to be relatively calm because he expects to be in the final and because he knows that there is more work to be done.
When he scores the SC winning goal v Fla/NYR, I expect an outburst a la
Nay, I demand it.
I’d say he’s more reactive than Draisaitl but the “No Reaction” was more in the regular season. In the playoffs they’ve been quite emotive unless they’re playing catch up. If they’re in the lead and/or having fun, they’re VERY emotive.
They aren’t Brett Hull.
I remain so impressed by KK. Big fan of Ryan, but he looked tired. KK makes the change. Broberg has been a revelation. He’s not the physical force that Des can be, but Des didn’t look like that player lately either. Broberg’s skating has been a revelation, and 86/5 have been playing rocking chair minutes. 25/27 have had sketchy moments, but don’t seem to get hemmed in as often.
Much more mature finish. Found the balance between getting pucks deep, staying high vs. sitting back and getting shelled. Held and pressured when appropriate, backed off and parked the bus as needed.
And ‘The Principal’ delivered. (My kids do not get any of my Skiiiiinnnnnnerrrrr references)
KK is a maestro. A conductor of strengths and weaknesses that are self-aware of their environment. Broberg in for Vinnie is the perfect example. Vin defends well against a certain kind of grinding forecheck and slower cycle game in the corners but Dallas wasn’t playing that game. Broberg is much better at using his speed to escape and also has a much better passing skillset. Most coaches probably wouldn’t have made that change and just keep trying alternative pairings against different matchups, hoping for less mistakes/turn-overs.
Where is Harper’s Hair? Trolling the Stars’s equivalent of Lowetide about how good Ekholm and Nuge are.
Studying up on the Panthers, his next new favorite team.
100%, loading up on as much background info he can find on every player in their system, the tax laws benefits of Florida, and how their 7th round pick from 2020 is going to win the Norris in 2 years.
The troll never shows up after an Oilers win. Didn’t he say he placed 2 units on a Dallas/Carolina final?
He only posts under his aliases after an Oilers win.
https://x.com/PR_NHL/status/1796726546461528446
lowetide. are you going to the game Sunday?
OP. what time is the Limo picking you up Sunday?
2-9-1 TO ONE WIN FROM THE SCF
Texting earlier this evening with a friend from Cochrane, AB:🤓😂
Having just moved from Cochrane to come back home for my terminally ill Mum… I think I know that guy!
Wow, what a post to down vote.
I can’t say I’m totally unhappy though. Nothing better than living in someone’s head rent free. Sleep well, while I grind your gutless asshole teeth to dust…
😉
Agreed, when people downvote your dying Mum it’s like they went straight for the nuclear asshole button—anonymously. Don’t worry, I am laughing… for that pettiness to happen, I’m clearly living in their head and grinding their teeth while they sleep. And they’re clearly small balls chicken shit. Love it.
Those who have spent time with a loved one dying in front of their eyes knows exactly what kind of loser I’m talking about.
Having lost my Grandma, Mom and wife, I can’t imagine anyone being so low as to downvote that post. Idiotic behaviour. I’m glad you laughed at it, I’m not sure I could have. No matter, idiots gonna idiot. I’m sorry for your loss, and sorry for the downvotes (we can’t fix that without losing the posting format).
Really sorry to hear about your mom, munny.
Think it might be a bit wild in Edm on Sunday?
18 years since Cup appearance.
LFG!
I can’t believe the difference between now and 2006 is two years longer than the difference between 2006 and 1990!
What was the question that set Deboor off? lol
Reporter basically asked why his team looked “lifeless” in the 2nd period.
That was some fire. What a dumb question, well how he asked it.
was it Spector hiding under a 10 gallon hat?
Mike Sporkter
Some of these reporters try to make it about themselves and purposely troll for a go fuk yourself response.
Team with “no prospects” casually inserts two prospects into its lineup
Just thinking about all of the “Broberg the bust!” comments.
It wasn’t that long ago that some people were calling Bouchard a bust
Craig button tried hard early on, anything to put shade on the Oilers and a edge for his Flames.
Looking forward to Bourgault scoring the SC winner!
A number of really really solid defensive plays by Ceci tonight – really nice to see it.
He and Broberg have made a good pairing. Broberg’s puck retrieval is excellent and he’s playing a simple game which compliments Ceci.
Dallas is a good team that had to expend a lot of energy getting by Vegas and then Colorado. Edmonton has to display some killer instinct in Game 6. Do not let up. Finish this series in 6 games, if you can, and then rest for the final. I think the Oilers finally have the experience and maturity to do that.
But we were told how rested they were
Are you trolling the trolll?????? He hee!
Indeed this! Go for the jugular.
Stuart Skinner and Ryan Nugent Hopkins: a tale of two mustaches.
Spector desperately baiting everyone to show some overconfidence. SMH.
That was disgusting. What a simple man with no journalistic integrity. You can see the look on the player’s faces when he asks a question.
LOL. Can’t see the whole article behind the paywall, but the Tranna Globe and Mail is reporting that the CBC had the option to carry this game and the next game, but declined due to preplanned specials.
It’s not like they’re motivated by surviving financially like a normal business. They can just spend your money instead of worrying about revenue.
Too busy airing Canada’s Ultimate Challenge:
“Team rivalry, moments of redemption and a new game twist stand out on this competitive cross-country obstacle course”
Execs too busy golfing with the Leafs.
This. Yep. 100%
Never mind the national sport. Our culture. What we bond over….
Carrick’s last shift was with 11 mins remaining. He seemed to get tangled up with someone if i recall but don’t know when.
Ya he limped off, fell, then continued limping. But I couldn’t tell how exactly he got hurt.
He lost his skate blade, no?
think so
That’s what I had heard.
Yeah they showed the blade on the ice in the replay.
That explains what I saw pretty perfectly. Thx.
That’s easily fixed in a minute or two. He mighta tweaked something when he tired to skate bladeless – that makes for some awkward moves. He’d played well to me eye.
Could easily be, I was just saying he couldn’t skate because he had one blade at the time.
Broberg’s defensive awareness and excellent positioning were just what Ceci needed. Kulak’s defensive awareness and sound positioning were just what Nurse needed. Ekholm’s defensive awareness and excellent positioning were just what Bouchard needed. It matters a heck of a lot to have pairings that work. The defensemen have to complement one another.
And when they do, their special qualities emerge: Bouchard’s offense, Broberg’s skating, and Nurse’s physicality. Music.
The less time I spend on this blog during a game this postseason, the more we seem to win. So I’ve been completely avoiding the blog the last few games until the game is over. I can read the post in the morning with no repercussions, but during the game is a no-no.
But man, did I want to come here and yell-post about how awesome that Broberg goal was. And what a big face off win by Evander Kane to set it up.
I’ve got the same karma going! Fun reliving the game through reading the comments afterwords too!
Does anyone else enjoying Skinner still doing the post win high five by himself. That’s loyalty and commitment
pretty cool, great guy
Sunday might just be the most ruckus crowd since ’06. A whole day of just getting goon’d. It is going to be amazing.
oh man, it’s gonna be awesome!
Stu stood tall. It took a ridiculous tip to beat him.
Perry came back from that massive hit. What a gem.
Broberg, good gord, where have you been all my life?
Full 60 minute effort. FULL.
HNIC actually upbeat on the Oilers……? huh?
MaNuge is a dagger. That second PP goal was surgical.
D looked solid tonight. Full value. A little wobble but allowing 1 goal out of Dallas. Great effort.
Tanev didn’t look that hobbled. Maybe avoiding contact a bit….? He was 4th in ice-time for Dallas. Did the Oilers just play through that? He looked at least marginally effective.
Another great game. Skinner and Nuge, huge! Complete win for the team and the full 60 minutes.
Loved McDavid’s juking and jiving his way to zone exits
Yeah, he’s really added that element to his game, confidently spinning into the soft zone and getting the puck outta danger. Just when you think he’s the ultimate player, he adds a dimension… incredible!
Hyman was unreal with puck tonight
It seemed like some shifts McDavid was following his lead, and that’s saying something!
So missed all but last 10 minutes of the third as out for dinner for wife’s 65 th. Seemed like a VERY solid game by the Oil. Now in series control. Love it!
Sorry, but I have to ask ….
Did you have fish?
Ha ha good one! No had a New York strip, but I am going salmon fishing to the coast in Aug and planning to fill the freezer!
What. A. Game.
So much to like in this game, I hardly know where to begin! lol
Defence was stellar and Skinner was Unreal to clean up any chances! Holy Heck, was Skinner ever locked it!
Forwards were relentless and worked their asses off to win puck battles!
Nuge!!! He playing on a level I honestly didn’t know he could achieve!!!
Broberg was excellent! Ceci was stout and made all the right plays! Maybe being a mentor to a young guy agrees with him, eh?
To bring a game like this, to a game like this, is the reason why I watch these games!!!
And Yes. Best, most solid game I’ve seen from Skinner.
6 shots in 2 periods really helps out.
Does it? I don’t think every goalie would necessarily agree that facing that 3rd period after no work prior is easy
Dead Calm punctuated by rapid-fire, 10 Bell saves. Solid.
Bieksa was bang on about Duchene not going all in on blocking the Broberg shot.
There is a reason Duchene is traded from every good team.
Or bought out
Effin Eh.
Ken’s no Capologist, but he might just be a Chemist?
That or KK’s delivering alchemy.
I enjoy me some BeastNuge
This is one of the most satisfying wins this team has delivered.
I really did not think a team that won the Vancouver series by one measly goal would have the ability to convincingly outplay the Dallas Stars in at least 8 of 15 periods. This game really might have even me believing.
Dallas has to be wondering what happened to them in these last two games. Will be interesting to see which Dallas team appears in Game 6. They may be deflated, or they may have the backs-against-the-wall motivation that we so often show.
Just gotta keep the pedal to the metal. Show the killer instinct that we haven’t seen much of. Don’t make things hard on ourselves.
What a ride! 11 playoff wins in the books.
Eh. Don’t discount Dallas. They were down 2 against Vegas.
I know. Oilers have a long history of getting soft once they start believing their press clippings. That’s why we need the killer instinct, especially if Dallas comes out desperate with their season on the line, as they very well might.
True but Vegas is not Edmonton – they are not on the same level!
And they were down 2-0 at the beginning of the VGK series, there was a lot of tarmac left then…
Wow. Never in doubt. The least I have sworn during a game in awhile.
Davos lucky grey suit.. will we see it again in Edmonton? I think so!
Nurse was excellent again. Shot blocks, clearing the front, mean. 2 in a row for him.
Working over W.Johnson against the boards with around 3 minutes left was great.
That’s what 60 minutes looks like.
Nailed it.
That’s the best game I’ve ever seen Skinner play.
Calm and quiet when necessary, battling when necessary
He earned a goose egg but was beaten by a shot that would’ve scored on every goalie ever.
Another professional 3rd period lead held. Too little forechecking but I understand and I also appreciate all lines buying in there
Skinner was great, easily the best goalie of the night
Did I lie to myself when I thought Dallas was going to be a fiesty, physical, energetic team?
Dallas looked like they played with the urgency and energy of someone about to head out on a 1 hour commute to work.
IM-PRESSIVE
One more win to finish Dallas. Hopefully they can do it on Sunday.
That was a fun game though.
They allowed the goal, but they almost shut it down for 35 minutes after the 3-0 lead.
Really strong game overall.
Special kudos to Skinner and The Nuge.
What. A. Game!
This is awesome.
Good job boys!! Hell of a game!
Play LaBamba, Baby! 🚨🚨🚨
And to think. Everyone was after Stu’s head less than a week ago.
Me included. I was adamant a few games ago that Stu shouldn’t get another start. But man I’m happy to be wrong.
Another Power Win.
If you drank that gameplan you’d grow hair everywhere instantly
Hell ya – Oilers deserved that game.
Through 5 games, the Oilers have been the superior team in the series and I don’t think its been close.
Amazing given that everyone “knew” that Dallas had deeper F, better D, and and were bulletproof in net.
Holloway is a seriously excellent shot blocker. He’s had numerous really good ones.
That was coming for the last 7 min or so. Play in their end!
Damn. Poor skinner. He was everything you could ask for and we failed him.
Bad behind the back pass by Hollywood set off that chain…
He won’t be doing that again…