Oilers flip the script on last year’s slow start to Stanley Cup Final

What they said…

Stuart Skinner on the excitement of winning a game in overtime…

“The emotions are high. You’re feeling really good. You’re obviously ecstatic to get that win, especially in overtime with a minute left, because it’s going to get harder. So the way we were able to finish in a timely manner was massive. You saw that in our faces when we celebrated.

As series go on and on, it’s a lot more of a grind. It’s a lot more board work, it’s a lot more pucks to the net, and especially when we’re going into overtime, there’s a lot of hockey that’s played and a lot of hockey to be played. Everyone gives you something different because they’re just a different team. But overall, we know how we need to play to be successful.”

Leon Draisaitl on scoring the game-winning goal in overtime…

“I’m standing over there watching this whole thing unfold, and I’m the beneficiary, but the work is done way before tha. It’s four terrific plays in a row – [Corey Perry] with a great play to [Connor McDavid], and then an amazing pass over to me. But lots of great plays on that play.

It’s tough to describe. You’re obviously locked in, and especially on the power play, you’re looking to finish it. Some incredible plays made it pretty easy for me to put that home. It’s a special feeling. It’s great for right now, but we’ve got to look ahead and get ready for Game 2.”

Mattias Ekholm on taking a 1-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final… 

“I think we’re more experienced. Those are the little details that make you stay calm and not get too excited about something when you have a lot of work left to do. I’m happy with the way we played tonight and happy with the focus. I thought we never deviated from the plan, and obviously got a big OT win, but it’s about flushing this tomorrow and getting back to work.

I think we deserved to win tonight, but they’re going to flush it. They’re going to come back better for Game 2, so it doesn’t really matter. It’s one game. We’ll just have to keep focusing on the task ahead. We know we’ve got three more wins to go, and it’s going to be a battle.”

Head coach Kris Knoblauch on the maturity of the Oilers… 

“Numerous times we’ve been able to just stick with it. I saw that last year, the composure, us not getting rattled. Tonight, playing against a very good team, great defensively, don’t give up many opportunities to squander leads, and we’re pushing and pushing and finally we’re able to get that goal to tie it up. I think experience helped a little, last year being in the Final, but I think this is just a pretty mature team.”

Up Next…

The Oilers will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they host the Panthers for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Friday at 6 PM MT.