The good vibes keep rolling for the Edmonton Oilers. The fans are loving it and the team is capturing the attention of the hockey world.
Last night, the Oilers clawed back from a 2-0 deficit against the Golden Knights, storming to a thrilling 4-2 victory on the road in Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs. Social media lit up with praise, with fans and media alike handing out bouquets to multiple Oilers for their gritty performances.
“Need to RT to highlight Evander Kane’s game here. I didn’t do it justice burying him as honorable mention. Kane 84.3% xG, 5 hits, 2 rebounds, 1 D-zone takeaway, 1 primary assist, all 5v5. Impact player away from McDrai.” – TheLineBlender via X“I thought Bouchard had a fantastic defensive game tonight. Led the team with 20:21 TOI at 5v5, and was only on-ice for two scoring chances against all night long (while being on-ice for 19 chances for!!). Absolute wall at defending entries.” – NHL_Sid via X“That Hyman goal was a good example of a full line effort. Nuge and Nurse pressure VGK forward at the line causing turnover Klingberg gets it up to Nuge quickly Nuge drops it to Kane and attacks gap Kane quickly zips it cross ice to Hyman before VGK wingers can collapse.” – SpuddyMcKenzie via X
This wasn’t a one-man show. It was a full-team takeover, cracking open the Vegas defence with pure hustle and grit. Seeing the Oilers have four lines rolling is something fans have been dreaming about for years.
“Watching the Oilers roll 4 lines and seeing each of them get legitimate chances to score brings a tear to my eye.” – OilerAlert via X“No lead is safe vs. the Oilers. Up two games in the series? F**k you they’re winning 4 straight to steal your soul. Leading 4-1 late in the 3rd? Better buckle up for overtime b***h they’re coming back. This team is Rocky Balboa on skates.” – Leroy SLC via X“Hug the D core who didn’t let Vegas get past 2 shots in 40 minutes… Great work you guys.” – Markbefearless via Instagram“All the haters betting against the Oilers!! This is our year!! PICKARD is about to become Tim Thomas! Takes us to the promised land!” – Jamie_Ramos via Instagram“The lines I like to watch now are the 3rd and 4th. The first two lines do what everyone expects them to do but the 3rd and 4th can create some chaos. Frederic is getting more comfortable every game. It’s great having grit on every line.” – Don Brait via Facebook“The games are stressful, but I’d rather cheer for a team that has the heart to keep playing and not give up. They are turning into the ultimate underdogs and I love it.” – Brendan Morton via Facebook
Now, let’s be real, nobody’s crowning Calvin Pickard as the next Tim Thomas just yet. But with five playoff wins under his belt this postseason, he’s undeniably doing his job between the pipes. And of course, one name was trending above all the rest: Connor Brown, who had fans swooning after that standout performance.
“Connor Brown has been the best Oiler the last 3 games. Normally that would be a bad thing meaning the top guys aren’t playing well. That’s not the case, he’s just been absolutely dominant.” – JimmyBeatle7 via X“Remember that time when Connor Brown couldn’t score, and then he scored, then everyone gave him a standing ovation, and now he’s just dusting them in like nothing. Amazing stuff right there.” – Brett Jeffrey via X“Connor Brown. End of the shift see ya later Theodore. What a move. playoff Connor Brown.” – Ryan Whitney via X“Connor ‘The Answer’ Brown.” – Tylerfcknalton via Instagram“Connor Brown kept receipts from last year. Bro cashing in now.” – Luttes72 via Instagram“Connor Brown is looking like Connor McDavid here, and much more often, as we roll through the playoffs.” – Christian Petes via Facebook“Connor brown has been lighting it up lately. Loving his speed and play making. Every game making a massive difference.” – Justin Endres via Facebook“Connor Brown reminds me of a certain man from 2006 whose last name rhymes with Dasani.” – Woz via X
With momentum shifting Edmonton’s way, fans sense this team might be hitting their stride at the perfect moment. Sure, the first 20 minutes were shaky, but once the Oilers tightened up, the Knights never stood a chance.
“Edmonton is playing its best hockey of the season in May. With Klingberg, Kane, and Frederic, they’re a far more balanced and better team than they were at any point in the season. Don’t sleep on Edmonton. They’re better than I thought.” – Mark Spector via X“For once, Spec, I agree with you, for once. They are peaking at the right time and if they can get serviceable goaltending like last night then they will be tough to beat in a 7 game series.” – Chris Pronger via X“Oilers are a lot like Muhammad Ali. They float like a butterfly for 20 to 30 minutes and then turn into murder hornets.” – Courtney Theriault via X“Domination for two periods! Vegas looked slower than LA and they didn’t seem to pressure as hard. Great puck moving from people’s D will help with that. Podz had some great hits tonight.” – Wild.runner42 via Instagram“Down 2-0. Goes up 4-2. Boys have no quit. Vegas had 2 shots at even strength in the 2nd and 3rd combined.” – Lance_bradyy via Instagram.
Optimism among Oilers fans is at a fever pitch right now, though many are politely requesting fewer heart attacks and stress-filled comebacks. For once, we’re riding high after taking Game 1, and you can bet we’ll be riding this wave of excitement straight into Game 2, Thursday night at 7:30 pm MST. Let’s keep the good times rolling!
READ NEXT: Oilers vs. Golden Knights – Game 1: A Tactical Review
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