Random Thoughts: Game 2 Domination

Sure, things didn’t go the way we wanted in Game 1 but I just felt it in my bones that last night was going to be different. Let’s talk about it.

After the way Game 1 ended, I don’t think anyone on the ice had more pressure on their shoulders heading into the rematch than Mike Smith. While I wasn’t at all surprised that he was named the starter, I was very eager to see how he would respond after a hugely disappointing finish. What I didn’t expect, however, is that Schmiddy would battle his way into a shutout. From start to finish, the guy was battling in the crease and he gave the Oilers the foundation they needed to even up the series. That’s why I wanted to make sure to give him some love for the way he played last night after taking so much heat in Game 1. Schmiddy, we tip our cap to you, sir.

What can you say about the boys running at 50% on the power play while also being perfect on the PK? Even though I suspected the Oilers might have the special teams advantage in this series, I didn’t necessarily expect them to be so dominant through two games. I mean, LA could barely even get set up in the Oilers’ zone for sizeable chunks of their power play chances and I was having a good laugh about how frustrating that must have been while 18,000+ people are screaming at you.

Back in 2017, I was lucky enough to go to a handful of games during the playoffs and the thing I remember most is how loud the place got and how the vibes could not have been better. Put another way, if you can’t even hear yourself think when you’re at an Oilers game then you know the fanbase meant business and last night was no different. And that’s why I was so excited about getting the chance to be there for Game 2. From the moment I walked into Ford Hall, the atmosphere was everything I hoped it would be and by the time I got to my seats, the energy in the building was already surging to the highest of heights. I don’t care what anybody says, there is nothing quite like being at a playoff game in Edmonton. There’s nothing else like it and I’m so grateful I was able to be a part of the festivities. What a night.

Before the game, Jay and I went down to Rogers Place a little bit early to have a pop or two and soak up the scene, and I absolutely loved the vibe, the energy, and everything else that was going on down there. From the live music to the Oilers chants to the sights and sounds of the playoffs, there was nothing better for me than to chill out for a little bit and feed off the energy of the pre-game crowd.

There’s no doubt Game 1 was rough and that’s why I wanted to do a quick emergency episode to remind everyone (myself included) that there’s still a long way to go. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts.