After defeating the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers filed to centre ice. It was not to say goodbye for the year, but to say hello; Edmonton ensured a trip to the playoffs, officially clinching their first playoff berth in 10 years.
Though the referees called off two goals, the Oilers persisted, making the most of their time with the puck. All four forward lines utilized their time and made their way into the zone, piling shots onto Jonathan Quick.
Edmonton Oilers
It was Connor McDavid who opened the scoring with about six minutes to go in the first period. Leon Draisaitl chipped the puck to him, and he went on a 2-on-1 with Maroon. He tried to pass it, but it deflected off a defender’s stick and past Jonathan Quick, giving McDavid his 27th goal of the season. Both he and Draisaitl are also riding eight-game point streaks.
Jarome Iginla would tie it minutes later, and both teams went into the first intermission knotted at one. However, seven minutes into the second, Eric Gryba scored his second goal of the year, giving the Oilers the 2-1 lead.
Cam Talbot, who had struggled and gotten pulled in his last two starts, was phenomenal. He was sharp, agile and aware at all times. The former Rangers backup made 34 of 35 saves and basically guaranteed the Oilers the victory.
For just a sliver of time, the Oilers also tied the Ducks for first in the Pacific Division, but it looks as if they will remain tied in second with San Jose looking as if they will bust out.
This is a truly historic night for the Oilers. It was heart-pounding for fans to watch those final minutes, and Talbot’s triumphant fist pump with a second to go showed how hard the team worked this season. They’ve truly turned around and created a team that takes winning seriously, and should be in the playoffs each year.
Not to mention, the Oilers are the first Canadian team to clinch a playoff spot this season. What a night, and what a win.