The Edmonton Oilers have punched their ticket to the Western Conference Final for the third time in four years.
Along the road, there have been many doubters, including those who didn’t believe they could even make it past the first round against the L.A. Kings. After their fourth consecutive series win over the Kings came the Vegas Golden Knights, a team many viewed as a tougher challenge. But in the end, the Oilers dismantled them in five games.
Fans, media, and former players had their say online about the Oilers and how they became the first team to advance to the third round thanks to a Kasperi Kapanen overtime winner in Game 5.
“Oilers are a f****g wagon right now. Mistake-free hockey with the ability to blow you up offensively whenever they get bored.” – Travis Dakin via X“The Oilers’ D put on a clinic tonight. Nearly flawless going back for pucks—tight gaps, smart support, and always working as a unit. Patient exits, strong wall plays, and that calm middle-lane bump? Textbook. Stetcher’s looking like a diamond in the rough—steady, sharp, and exactly what they needed. What a performance.” – Scottie Upshall via X“The Oilers are first to the Conference Finals! They played a fantastic road game against a desperate Vegas team. Stuart Skinner was excellent again! What a story. On to the next in their quest for the Cup!” – Chris Pronger via X“Kasperi Kapanen will never have to pay for a donair in Edmonton ever again.” – OilersAdam via X“From waiver pick to OT hero to go to the Conference Finals. You can’t make this up!!!” – Pavelgrozy via Instagram“I don’t think there is a team in this league that does what Edmonton does. They change their play style completely around. When they need. Pure offensive power, shut down defence or a physically dominating game. They adapt to who they play.” – Ross Dobson via Facebook“It’s not only the team, but our coach is putting on a clinic!!! Some of the line changes and bringing in Kapanen and Stecher! Wow! Smart dude we have here!” – Robert Kennedy via Facebook
Of course, Kasperi Kapanen was the man of the moment, delivering the overtime-winning goal. However, the tone around Stuart Skinner’s name has changed swiftly. After the Oilers dropped Game 3, fans were quick to blame Skinner, suggesting the Edmonton native shouldn’t play a game for the team again.
“I mean. You can’t make this stuff up. Less than a week ago, people were suggesting he shouldn’t ever play another game as an Oiler. Back-to-back shutouts…. Pink pony club indeed.” – Lynn Mercereau via X“Steve Dangle said on his podcast that Stuart Skinner should never play another NHL game and he isn’t an NHL goalie… then Stuart Skinner posted two shutouts. How are the Leafs doing?” – Courtneygedak via X“Skinner found his A+ game. Shoutout to him for a double-game shutout. You made us proud and we thank you.” – Kamil Dharshi via Facebook“If you all stay quiet for a moment, and listen very carefully, you can hear the Stuart Skinner non-believers quietly jumping back onto the Oilers Stanley Cup Playoffs Train after saying it was all over when Pickard got injured.” – Ldubs99 via X
There’s something about this Oilers team and its ability to quiet the doubters. This postseason has felt different, in my opinion. They have a veteran swagger, as if they’ve been here before, which they have. They know what it takes to win in the playoffs.
They are now waiting for their next opponent, either the Winnipeg Jets or the Dallas Stars. The Stars currently lead the series 3-1 and have the opportunity to eliminate the Jets on Thursday night in Winnipeg.
