Edmonton Oilers !

[KingKuba]

Drai and McDavid had 3 points each... are they supposed to stop the puck too? I just don't see how they are "choking" when the team just isn't very good

They had 0 points the first two games that sealed the series.
Once real hockey starts McDavid is just another player.

They were lucky to have that division that made them look so good.

[KingKuba]

I'd say it's pretty clear, given the 3-0 series lead. Maybe they should just hand the President's Trophy winner the Cup every year if the regular season is more important.

Your comment was that McDavid does not seem to be a postseason player. He's a point per game playoff player, and the Oilers have lost 80% of the playoff games in which he's scored multiple points. Does he just magically become a postseason player once his team doesn't suck? He carried the team on his shoulders to the playoffs despite the fact they don't belong.

He averaged 30 minutes a game and scored 1 goal.
How about score a clutch goal in one of these OT games?

Those three assists he did nothing for he was just on the ice at the time and touched the puck at one point.

You know the Oilers were big favorites to win this series...

[30ranfordfan]

The sweep was not really reflective of how close this series was. Three overtimes games, and the only regulation loss was a 1 goal game, that had two empty netters added on.

The Oilers outplayed the Jets in the bulk of the first three games... but the Oilers couldn't buy a goal in the first two, and had that 3-minute collapse in game 3.



Aside from McDavid, Draistle, and Nurse: There isn't a player on that roster that should be a "lock" to come back next year. Smith was their best player in the series, but he's 39. If RNH is the 3rd best forward on the Oilers again next year, they're going to end up in the same spot.

Like it or not, the NHL tosses the rule book in the garbage when the playoffs role around. The sticks & gloves on the Oilers stars make it harder for them to carry the team. They need new blood, players that are going to open up space for them.

[cygnusx1]

From what I can tell, McDavid and Draisaitl were supposed to score at least once every game, play stellar defense including blocking multiple shots, and then pot the OT winner each game, to not be considered chokers. And even while scoring 3 points in a game, it's possible that they didn't do anything on the play to deserve the point, so they'd probably still lose by choking.

Or, you know, maybe the other 20 guys could have done something once in a while

[scarrman]

It was a tough series to watch. McDavid worked his tail off, tried to all he could, and Winnipeg's game plan to shut him down was quite effective. He had no time or space, when McDavid had the puck they were on him. Physically, stick work, checking. Anytime he tries his patented drive through the D, they somehow shut him down. Hard to believe Winnipeg was that effective on McDavid alone. Where was the rest of the team, well that's another story. 2 strong teams, a hell of a series, 3 OT games. Seemed simple enough that Winnipeg played their game and Edmonton did not. Big physical presence overpowered the speed and finesse of Edmonton. Remember this is a Winnipeg team that was heavily favored last year and also got bounced in the first round, and had a deep Cup run 2 or 3 years ago - there is some playoff experience there. But Edmonton also got knocked out badly in the play in round last year against Chicago - another series they were favored to win. Some changes are due to happen in Edmonton, seems though change is all Edmonton does though.

[Devlin]

two 3rd period leads blown. I myself overrated the oilers. I can see losing the series, thats what makes playoff hcky so good to watch and follow,but......being swept?
Lost 3ot's,how about winning one.

[RGM81]

Tough to see this team go out this way. They've got 2 of the top 5 players in the NHL, but with that (and the salary cap) comes a cost...the Oilers have for years been put into a spot where they have to compromise on the blue line and between the pipes. The fact that they had three of their D men stapled to the bench in a game that went to 3OT and were forced to rely upon Mike Smith (because the alternative in Koskinen was even less reliable)...these are the personnel moves that get a GM fired. This format gave them a good opportunity to go on a run this year, but instead it's another too-long-summer and some more soul-searching for the organization.

[Rraincock]

It says a lot when Gretzky leaves the franchise… again.


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[30ranfordfan]

Tough to see this team go out this way. They've got 2 of the top 5 players in the NHL, but with that (and the salary cap) comes a cost...the Oilers have for years been put into a spot where they have to compromise on the blue line and between the pipes. The fact that they had three of their D men stapled to the bench in a game that went to 3OT and were forced to rely upon Mike Smith (because the alternative in Koskinen was even less reliable)...these are the personnel moves that get a GM fired. This format gave them a good opportunity to go on a run this year, but instead it's another too-long-summer and some more soul-searching for the organization.

Mike Smith played well the whole series. He was far from their biggest problem. Would I call him elite? No. Would I rely on him being their #1 goalie next year, at age 40? Also no.... but goaltending wasn't even a top 5 reason they lost.

The defense, the warts showed. Kulikov (the big trade deadline piece) was so good over the first three games, that he was scratched in favor of Kris Russell, who hasn't been an NHL caliber defenseman in years (don't worry, Russell is already resigned for next season). Ethan Bear was terrible, and should have been benched. I've had a high opinion of him up until this season, but he was awful for the entirety of 20-21. Larsson & Barrie played their roles okayish, I guess. Nurse was a beast, and is going to get paid a lot now.

While I don't necessarily want to see RNH leave town, they can't bring him back and pay him $6m again. That probably means he'll go elsewhere - and IMO that's fine. There is no way he can be the 3rd best forward on this team AND anyone expect the 2021-22 season to end differently. He's a good player, but doesn't do enough.

There isn't a player in the bottom 6, outside of Josh Archibald, that I would miss if they're gone.

It says a lot when Gretzky leaves the franchise… again.


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It says that a 3 million a year TV job, is more appealing than a do-nothing VP job.

[oilfan10]

For 10 years, I was disappointed because the Oilers were terrible. For the last 5, I have been disappointed because they are severe underachievers. I don't know which feels worse.