You know what’s cooler than the Oilers winning three straight games? Four games. Know what’s cooler than the Oilers winning for straight games? You guessed it. Five. Five straight games. And while Thursday’s win over the Chicago Blackhawks wasn’t without its speed bumps (read: posts), Edmonton found a way to win even when things didn’t always go their way. Don’t get me wrong, they were the better team, but there were also points this season when that 3-1 win could have easily slipped away. Not last night, friends.

It had been 51 games since Adam Henrique had last scored. Before last night’s breakaway/rebound goal on Arvid Soderblom, Henrique’s last goal was way back on October 23rd against the Montreal Canadiens. That’s five months, if you’re wondering. But as much as we all know that Rico is 36 years old at this point, I still think he’s way better of a hockey player than his three goals would have us believe. I don’t know if it’s snakebite, the role he’s in, or what’s going on with our man this year, but I believe there’s more left in the tank for the 16-year veteran. Adam Henrique is not going to score 20+ anymore — those days are gone — but I won’t be surprised if he comes up with a few big moments down the stretch and into the playoffs.

Maybe it’s just because I’m a sucker for the guy, but I’m seeing a player who’s finally starting to find his groove after missing nearly two months with an injury earlier in the year. Who knows what the ceiling is at this stage, but having Henrique back up to form would be a massive boost for the bottom six, and one that I’ll be cheering for over the next few weeks. Either way, you know it had to feel pretty damned good to finally get the monkey of his back last night against the Blackhawks. Rico didn’t score on the initial breakaway attempt, but some quick hands and thinking made sure he was on top of the rebound. It was a big goal in the moment, and I’m hopeful that it can also act as a dose of confidence for a guy who will be an important piece as we roll toward the playoffs.

It may not have been the busiest night Tristan Jarry will ever have in the NHL, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t have to be solid when called upon. The Blackhawks only threw 18 shots Jarry’s way, but the wild part about that is that their tiny toal included breakaways, second attempts from in tight, and more than a few instances where he had to be sharp. And for a guy who’s still working his way back into the team/fanbase’s good graces, you have to appreciate the way he’s come out and won his last two starts. While his .889 save percentage in Utah wasn’t the sexiest number for a goalie, he was still rock solid in that game and deserved the win. Last night against Chicago, Jarry was one unlucky bounce away from perfect.

As much as our first impressions of Jarry were anything but spotless, you won’t count me in the camp of folks who have already given up on him. The guy is a quality goaltender and has been for a long time, and over his last two opportunities, he’s given his team two straight quality starts on nights when Connor Ingram deservedly got the night off. We can’t do anything about the trade, Jarry’s contract, or how Kris Knoblauch plans to use him, but what I can do is cheer for the guy to keep giving his team a chance when he does get to play. We’re at where we’re at with the player and how things started, but I also think Jarry has the skill to climb out of the hole and give Edmonton that always important second layer of support in net. Dare to dream?

If you had told me two months ago that the Oilers would be tied for first place in the Pacific Division with six games left, I’m not sure I would have believed you. This team was truly unpredictable for months on end, and it felt like they were going to limp into the playoffs rather than heat up at just the right time. Winners of five straight, the boys pushed their way up the Pacific Division standings and into a situation where a division title is well within reach. Yeah, I know the Ducks still have a game in hand, but they’ve also slowed down over the last week, whereas the Oilers have started to put the hammer down.

All of a sudden, the Oilers have closed the gap on a team that had a chance to build a seven-point lead just last weekend. And with only six games left on the schedule for Edmonton and seven for Anaheim, the math is pretty simple. The boys are going to need to win four or five of these final games and keep the pressure squarely on the Ducks. That kind of run won’t be easy, but it’s exactly what this group has been building toward over the last couple of weeks. There’s no more room to wait for help or hope for someone else to do the job for you. If they want that banner, they’re going to have to go take it themselves.

Edmonton hockey fans — think you and your crew know playoff hockey? Prove it at the Nation Playoff Draft Party on Friday, April 17th at the River Cree Resort & Casino. Build your playoff roster, compete against other teams throughout the postseason, and battle for $2,500 cash and Nation bragging rights. Team entry is $1,000 for groups of 8, which includes dinner and your first bevy. The night will be hosted by Ryder & Lisa from The Sauce and Tyler & Liam from ON Everyday, so expect plenty of energy, competition, and chirps. Spots are limited — sign your team up now at nationgear.ca. All proceeds from the event support KidSport Edmonton, helping ensure local kids can stay in the game.