2006 FLASHBACK: ROUND THREE

In the fourth installment of the series, the Oilers are halfway home as they enter the Western Conference Finals against the Anaheim Ducks. The goaltending is strong, the special teams are firing and the fans—well, the fans are delirious.

After rolling past the Detroit Red Wings and then the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton faced the Ducks—a team that delivered about the same record during the regular season. Anaheim rolled past the Calgary Flames—who were the defending Western Conference champions—and then the Colorado Avalanche in order to get one step from the finals.

The key play occurred with Chris Pronger in the box and relied heavily on the passing and creativity of….goalie Dwayne Roloson.

The goal gave Edmonton a lead they and set the tone for the series: Whatever the Ducks tried, Edmonton had the answer. The Oilers rolled despite having very little rest—just one day off between the end of the Sharks series and the beginning of the semifinals. Scheduling would become an even bigger factor as the spring games continued.

In the game description, there are some terrific quotes from players, giving us a real feel for the series (and for many of us, causing memories to wash over after years have dimmed them).

The legend of Fernando Pisani grew in this game, as the Oiler winger scored his ninth goal of the playoffs while giving Edmonton a commanding 3-0 lead in the playoffs. Toby Petersen (blast from the past!) scored in the first period, and then nothing went up on the scoreboard until the third period. Edmonton opened up with three goals, followed by Anaheim scoring three goals! Pisani put it away with the fifth goal late. This series was nasty, and by game three the Ducks were pretty miserable. This Oilers  team could handle itself.

This is a game you might want to review both summary and game description. Anaheim’s two biggest stars on the evening—Dustin Penner and Joffrey Lupul—would both play for the Oilers and author major chapters in team history by the end of the decade. On this night, the Ducks were the clearly superior team. A team that could barely score in the first three games exploded, and also received good goaltending from J.S. Giguere.

Absolute bedlam. That third period was followed by massive partying, the word ‘riot’ being used in little old our town, and various forms of jocularity. I know it is a long video, but if you get the chance, have a look at that third period. Selling out on every play, lined up three at a time to block a point shot, absolutely hammered into the boards and they kept on going.

My God what a hockey team. Mike Peca and Chris Pronger led the team in points during the series, Fernando Pisani also scored twice. Dwayne Roloson had a .934 save percentage, he stoned the Ducks time and again.

I loved this team, still do. People talk about the Boys on the Bus, and the five Stanleys, but one would do well to remember these brave soldiers. It was a massive run to 12 victories, with genuine heroes everywhere.

Previously in the series:

 

There are few certainties in life – we can always count on the sun coming up in the morning, Edmonton winters being dreadful, and the Oilers missing the playoffs. As such, we present the annual OilersNation Draft Party! It’s time to honour the the anniversary of drafting our beloved Connor, celebrate the rewards of another failed season, and raise some money for charity.

Here’s what you need to know…

The party is happening at the Pint Downtown on Friday, June 24th. The goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Red Cross and their efforts to bring normalcy back to Fort McMurray, and have a little bit of fun while we’re at it. For $30 you get a Draft Party t-shirt, a $10 Pint GC, a $10 Oodle Noodle GC, a draft party collectors cup, and a chance for prizes and eternal glory.

All proceeds from tickets sold will be donated directly to the Red Cross so bring your friends, get involved, and help us support a community in need. Tickets are still available here.

One day, the Oilers will be a good hockey team and we’ll all be able to laugh about this. Until then, we party.