So here we are once again. For the 10th time in franchise history, the Edmonton Oilers are about to play a game seven. This time they are up against 2016/17 Pacific Division champs, the Anaheim Ducks.
Just to recap, the Oilers won the first two games in Anaheim, then lost the next three games in Edmonton and Anaheim and then returned home for game 6 to stave off elimination on the backs of a depleted defense and Leon Draisaitl’s legendary hat-trick.
Honestly, I’m so nervous for this game because Ryan Getzlaf has been ridiculous… The Ducks have really taken the game to the Oilers at times during this series and really exposed them. I also believe Anaheim will be extra motivated to break their own game seven curse.
I think that the Oilers are going to win, not because I’m a homer (even though I am sometimes) but because we’ve seen this team all season long do the things necessary to overcome their challenges. That and the Ducks haven’t been able to solve the three-headed dragon that is 97-29-93. Or is it a four-headed dragon with Mark Letestu having more points than Connor now?
Speaking of the anointed one. I reckon there are a lot of people out there in the Oil Country that believe Connor McDavid is going to have a breakout game. Well, to that I say, don’t hold your breath. It’d be a great story but I’m not sure we could will that one into existence.
McDavid is doing an excellent job diverting attention from Leon Draisaitl and as a result, Leon is dominating like nobody thought he could. I mean without Taylor Hall and McDavid, I was under the impression that he wouldn’t be able to do much. He was a complimentary forward for at least a couple of more seasons…
Slam your hand in the car door if you EVER thought that.
In fact, nobody should be surprised at how well Draisaitl is performing at such an important time of the year and that is because you’d have watched what he did for the Kelowna Rockets back in his last season of CHL hockey. I believe he won the Memorial Cup MVP in a losing cause… Also, did you even watch him at the World Cup of Hockey this summer? #Epic. Lastly, you’d have noticed what happened when Leon’s stats dried up this past season. He goes on scoring tears like nobody’s business.
Leon Draisaitl is the real deal folks!
All of that being said, this is exactly the kind of moment that Jordan Eberle’s legend was born in. If there’s a need and he comes up big tonight, I won’t be surprised. He’s got a history there.
Now, originally, I wanted to go back and re-visit each game 7 the Oilers had played in but Sean McIndoe (Down Goes Brown) beat me to it. If you haven’t read his post please visit it here because it’s amazing!
So instead, I made this Youtube video for your viewing pleasure. It’s a little underwhelming but if you like it, please share it and subscribe to our channel!
Heaven or Hell? Thou shalt not meldramaticize.
i think the ducks will be tough to beat. i think the oilers might have awoken the duck’s pride by pummeling them so thoroughly on sunday. i think the game six beat down and the hideous game 7 history of the ducks will motivate them to play a stellar game. The big question though is whether gibson will settle down and play decent hockey. if gibson continues his shaky play, this series is over regardless of what the rest of the skaters do…