Tangibles and intangibles. Two words that are used to describe so many different aspects of the National Hockey League.

From players to executives to mascots (Gritty, for example, clearly has both), these descriptors are used to define value and, ultimately, the likelihood of success. For the Edmonton Oilers to find that success in the first round of the 2026 playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks, they will absolutely need both. Tangibles are often data based, with little wiggle room for debate. Intangibles, however, can sometimes be pulled out of thin air and, at times, feel pretty unserious.

As the Oilers head to California in their first-round matchup for what seems like the millionth year in a row, here are four serious and four very unserious things they need to do to find success in round one:

The Oilers have been known to be slow starters in almost every aspect. Poor starts to the season, slow starts to playoff series, and goals against on first shots. Some of it can be attributed to teams knowing the quality of their opponent in the Oilers and being motivated to start fast. But it often seems more like a mental block that this team has with knowing that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sit beside them on the bench. They wait to see if their two superstars are going that night (they usually are) and then act accordingly. On the off-chance that those two don’t show up on time, there are not many guys who step up and drag everyone else into the fight.

Over the last few weeks of the season, the Oilers showed up on time and validated just how powerful they are when they do. The Oilers had only allowed four first-period goals against in the seven games that made up their mini-heater to end the year and kept that trend going to finish out the season. Aside from two stumbles against Utah and Vegas, the trend of starting strong and yielding a good result held up.

Imagine the young guys on the Ducks team no longer with the incredible hockey names that destined them for a life in the sport, having flowing hair, and speaking in their own hockey-specific language. That’s right, picture Cutter Gauthier, Beckett Sennecke, and Jackson LaCombe entering the thunderdome that is Rogers Place in Edmonton, and every announcer, analyst, fan, and otherwise starting to call them something like Carl Gout, Bean Sink, and Jan Lamb.

Actually, Bean Sink is pretty sick.

Nonetheless, let these guys know that the inherited power of their name holds no weight in Edmonton. Taunt Carl from the stands, throw beans on the ice, and sing Mary had a Little Lamb whenever LaCombe is on the ice. Unstoppable.

Not to come off as too rock ’em sock ’em here, but this Oilers team thrives when they are finishing every check they see. Hyman’s physical performance in last year’s post-season run was galvanizing and energizing to everyone on that bench. Not to mention, if guys like Podkolzin are riding shotgun with McDavid and Draisaitl, they need to be clearing space and causing turnovers through being physical. The Oilers had the seventh-fewest hits in the league this season. Yes, this is a team that carries the puck a lot, and yes, this is a team that has a fair amount of skilled guys. But the league changes come playoffs, and this aspect of their game needs improvement. This is an Anaheim Ducks team that is very porous defensively, and adding pressure on an already shaky D-core would tip the series in the Oilers’ favour quickly.

Game 1: flags or pom-poms or towels on every seat. Fans losing their collective marbles and pre-packed beans. They look up, and there he is. Piercing blue eyes, perfect blonde hair. The camera pans down to a million-pack of abs. He is waving his flag with you. He is one of you, and you him. You are one. Is this too much? It’s not enough. The roof blows off the place, and every player starting the game turns into 2016 Zack Kassian. The remaining teams see the spectacle all over social media, and their hearts sink. This is the Oilers’ year.

Since Leon Draisaitl’s injury in mid-March, there has been a forced shuffling of the lines by Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. An inability to load up Draisaitl, McDavid, and Zach Hyman when the going gets tough in games has resulted in Matt Savoie slotting beside McDavid and players like Jack Roslovic finding a comfortable home on a line with Nugent-Hopkins. Additionally, the found gold duo of Colton Dach and Trent Frederic are driving play and should stay together, especially when that specific style of playoff hockey starts.

None of this is a novel thought or suggestion, but seeing the elevation in play from players learning each other’s tendencies as well as being partnered with complementary skill sets has created a lineup that has been thriving. None of this is to say that these line combinations are not improved immediately by Draisaitl’s return, but rather, some commitment to consistent line combinations is key to keep this momentum going into the playoff run.

The colour of their kits are already basically the same, but let’s go a step further. Let’s really mess with the heads of those California kids. Let’s spray tan the entirety of our fan base and players a shade of orange only suitable for those in power and ruining the world. “We DO have sun and seasons in Edmonton. Look how we are glowing!” causes confusion. Ducks players lose focus and forget they are even in a series against Edmonton, realizing they are missing home. They are suddenly craving an Erewhon smoothie, but all they can find after the game is the Jungle Curry Cambogee from Oodle Noodle with a side of beans. An excellent option, but this kind of mental warfare goes a long way.

The current core of this team has relied heavily on controlled zone entries over the last few years. It almost feels disingenuous to say they need to keep this going when Oilers fans are definitely spoiled with even-strength and powerplay zone entries by McDavid with ease. But, as mentioned, the makeup of this team has a lot of skilled forwards, and maintaining possession on zone entries is key to extended stays in the offensive zone. When dump-ins are necessary, the aforementioned physical play is required.

The love for Robert Clark in Edmonton is unmatched. Which is why he should be celebrated by suspending him from the jumbotron at centre ice before game one like the hero he is while he belts the anthem. Maybe he is wearing a cape, maybe not. Either way, it would be electric.

Finally, another iconic and ironic song must accompany Oilers wins in the dressing room. The suggestion: Shania Twain’s Still the One. “Looks like we made it / Look how far we’ve come now, baby / We mighta took the long way / We knew we’d get there someday.”

The boys have the blueprint now, as do the fans. All that is left is to execute. We are Ryan Atwood showing up in Orange County with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a leather jacket, ready to flip their world upside down. We are the embodiment of every petty beef Lauren Conrad had with Kristin Cavallari or whoever. Not sure, didn’t really watch that one. We have the confidence and attitude of every Housewife of Orange County. There is no stopping this team or this fanbase.

Edmonton, it’s time to dust off your best game fits—playoff season is here. And for every away game, The Sauce is taking over Greta Bar YEG as the official playoff headquarters. There ain’t no party like a Nation playoff party. Expect food and drink specials you can’t beat, t-shirt tosses, giveaways, games, and a few surprises we’ve been saving just for the Nation Citizens. Whether you’re coming for the game, the atmosphere, or just to get a little saucy with the crew, this is where you want to be when the team hits the road. Secure your table by texting Greta’s hotline at 1-587-418-8507.