Glass half full: Three big picture reasons why Edmonton Oilers’ fans should remain optimistic

As Edmonton Oilers fans, we are a truly spoiled fanbase. With the roster headlined by the likes of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, we have come to expect greatness every game and these playoffs have been no different. From the (almost) four goal comeback in the third period of Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings to Draisaitl’s overtime winner in Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Oilers know how to keep us on the edge of our seats.

With the score up 3–1 and heading into the third period of their first game against the Dallas Stars, the Oilers’ discipline and penalty kill collapsed as the Stars went on to score five unanswered goals to put the game out of Edmonton’s reach. The rather fast collapse of the Oilers left even the most fair-weather Oilers fan likely speechless. While it was easy to feel defeated after that game, I am here to tell you that there is no reason to panic and here are the three reasons why the Edmonton Oilers should keep you optimistic.

Oilers are the comeback kids

This is one is probably the most obvious one, but the Oilers know exactly what it takes to make a comeback. Whether it is a slow start to the season, slow start to the game, or teetering on the verge of a sweep in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers have shown time again that putting up a fight is simply in their DNA.

Part of the strong belief in the Oilers ability to make a come back is the fact that they are lead by the top two players in the world who are consistent performers come playoff time. One of the criticisms that has been levied on the core of the Toronto Maple Leafs is that when push comes to shove, their big guns are quiet. Fortunately for the Edmonton Oilers, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid lead by example as they have demonstrated consistency in their point production making it unwise to ever count them out.

Oilers strength is in the depth of their lineup

If there is something else that stands out particularly about this year’s team, it is their ability to produce up and down the line. In fact, only three Oilers players who have played at least one playoff game have yet to produce a playoff point. From Adam Henrique’s two-goal game against the Golden Knights to Evander Kane and Corey Perry putting up points in the crease, the team seems to be firing on all cylinders.

While the Oilers goaltending has been under the microscope throughout the season and the playoffs, both Calvin Pickard and Stuart Skinner have shown that they can provide big time saves and play lights out hockey. Look no further than Pickard backstopping the Oilers to six straight come from behind wins or Skinner’s recent shutout streak of just over 142 minutes.

Finally, Edmonton’s lineup players know when to step into the role that is required of them. Zach Hyman and Vasily Podkolzin have stepped up physically on a traditionally timid Oilers team with Hyman leading the league in hits. Corry Perry and Evander Kane are not afraid to get under the opponents’ skin with Kane rattling Adin Hill’s composure during the Vegas series.

To put it simply: the Oilers are a team that has learned how to win in a way that is greater than the sum of its’ individual parts.

Experience matters

Heading into the season, the Oilers were the oldest team in the NHL which certainly raised a lot of questions around the construction of this roster. Departures of Ryan McLeod, Dylan Holloway, and Philip Broberg in the offseason did nothing positive for the team’s youthfulness factor. However, the Oilers have learned to lean on their experience and this is very evident in watching them throughout the season.

Regardless of the position they find themselves in, whether it is a goal deficit or a series deficit, panic never seems to set in for this squad. After looking like a team heading towards a first round exit, the Oilers leaned on their experience to settle their nerves and make one heck of a Game 4 comeback with 30 seconds left.

Watching the Oilers pre-game interviews shows a team that is loose, confident, and sometimes even likes to have fun. There is no doubt that Draisaitl and McDavid must feel the pressure to capitalize on every playoff opportunity to bring Lord Stanley back to Edmonton. However, being able to see Oilers calm, cool and collected regardless of their situation will continue to serve this team well and give us fans a reason to just breathe.

No need for panic yet

Every point that I have made above certainly does not seem like ground breaking observations. These are just three big picture thoughts of why there is no reason for panic or pessimism to set in. One can make even more directed or analytical arguments to bolster Oilers optimism such as their ability to produce in 5v5 situations or being able to break some of the best goaltenders in the league such as Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill, or Jake Oettinger.

However, if I was to summarize my article, I would simply say the following: the Oilers fans have a lot of reasons to believe that their team is going to be just fine.