Edmonton Oilers Wild Season Ends in Game 7 Loss
The Edmonton Oilers unbelievable playoff run came to a disappointing end Wednesday. They dropped Game 7 in a 2-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Returning to the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, the Oilers made an outstanding name for themselves. They took out one of the top, toughest teams in the Western Conference in the first round, and forced the Pacific Division champions into a seven-game series. The Ducks will go on to face off against the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference Finals.
Edmonton Oilers
Drake Caggiula gave Edmonton an early 1-0 lead, but goals from Andrew Cogliano and Nick Ritchie would give the Ducks the eventual 2-1 lead. Anaheim’s offence ignited through the final 40 minutes and put way too much pressure on the Oilers. Edmonton also found itself in a corner, and the Ducks outshot them and dominated with their time in the offensive zone.
Despite all of that, Cam Talbot shined with an incredible performance, stopping 28 of 30 shots. Connor McDavid and the rest of the top six also did everything to create scoring chances, but it was too little, too late.
The Oilers season may have come to a close, but this team went above and beyond and definitely built themselves a reputation. Not only did they have one of the most dangerous playoff forwards in Leon Draisaitl, who lit up the Ducks for the duration of the series, but they put up a tough fight. Edmonton’s defence and physicality was unparalleled at times, and they showed that they can match up to any opponent.
After years of disappointment, the team went further than many thought they would. They also showed that they shouldn’t be counted out and that not only can they make a name for themselves, they can do much more. Zack Kassian and Mark Letestu made names for themselves in these
Zack Kassian and Mark Letestu made names for themselves in these playoffs as outstanding and unsung heroes. Talbot was quietly the MVP for the team in these playoffs, putting up quality numbers and ranking amongst the elite netminders he was competing against in the playoffs.
The future is bright for Edmonton. Though it stings now, the Oilers will certainly be back next year, and they will have more experience and lessons from this series.