Random Thoughts: An Amazing Night with the Nation Crew, Playoff Parties, and getting excited

We’ve finally arrived at the NHL playoffs and I thought this gameless Saturday would be the perfect time for another dose of Random Thoughts to offer up some fresh takes on what’s been happening.

Now that the regular season is done, I find myself buzzing around my house in eager anticipation of what’s to come. I keep running scenarios through my head about what it will take for the boys to run through the Kings like one of those banners at a high school football game, and the thought of it makes me as happy as I’ve been in quite some time. I know the Oilers made the playoffs the last couple of seasons — yes, I’m counting the bubble appearance as playoffs — but it hasn’t been the same without fans in the building. Now that we’ll have Rogers Place packed with 18,000 noise machines, I’ve got very high hopes for how this is going to play out and the anticipation is ramping up with each passing hour. Only two more sleeps to go and I am fired up about it.

If you remember back to the 2017 playoffs, one of the best things we did was throw viewing parties as a means of getting the Nation together to cheer on our boys. The result was some of the best nights of my life and foggy memories that I cherish to this day, and I am so pumped to get these going again starting on Monday. So if you want to hang out with the Nation crew and surround yourself with like-minded friends that you never knew you needed in your life. I mean, we tried our best to create a vibe the last couple of years, but nothing can compare to the times when we can all get together. So if you’re in the mood to party during the playoffs, we’ll have you covered and the festivities kick off on Monday.

Playoff parties not enough for you? Why not join us in LA for games three and four? A few of us from Nation HQ will be heading down and we’d love to have you join us. Sign up here.

Last night, the entire crew from Nation HQ made our way to Rogers Place for the season finale against the Vancouver Canucks and I cannot even begin to describe how much fun we had. From the amazing dinner at Campio before the game to the playoff-ready atmosphere in the barn to wrapping up the night at The Pint post-game, I can’t even begin to express how happy I was to get back to an Oilers game. For me, this was the first time since “the thing” started that I’ve been to a game at Rogers Place and I missed it so much it’s ridiculous. Even though McDavid and Draisaitl weren’t playing, it didn’t even matter because it was so much fun to be back in the building and hang out with the amazing group that makes this website and network hum along. Add in the fact that the Oilers won and you’ve got the makings of a fine little Friday.

How can you not be excited about what’s going on with the Edmonton Oilers right now? With the playoffs upon us, I dove into what’s working, what I’m excited about, and how Jay Woodcroft has turned this team around in a way I didn’t think was possible. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts. 

Do you think you know who will take home hockey’s ultimate prize? Do you think you can put together the ultimate playoff bracket? Sign up for a FREE ACCOUNT for the Daily Faceoff Playoff Bracket Challenge presented by PointsBet Canada to secure your spot for a chance at prizes and glory! Sign up here.