Edmonton Oilers: NHL Playoff chances have increased after big road win
The Edmonton Oilers sure brought a lot of smiles to their fans after their first of their four-game road trip adventures. Heading into a big road game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, fans were hoping they could right the ship by bouncing back due to a poor early season start.
When a team enters such a situation, it can give them a good sense of their overall identity. You know, whether or not this team has the fortitude needed to make the necessary changes towards improvement. The Oilers faced a very good Maple Leafs team and did just that. They left the game victorious and filled with newfound confidence.
It was a slow-paced game but beating the Maple Leafs 3-1 not only ended their two-game losing streak but also increased their NHL Playoffs chances. Yes, it’s way too early in the season that it might not be worth even mentioning playoffs at this point in time. In the grand scheme of things, however, we should all use the mantra said by head coach Dave Tippett himself in taking the season one game at a time.
The Edmonton Oilers have increased their NHL Playoff chances
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According to a model by Micah Blake McCurdy of Hockey Viz, the Oilers have increased their NHL Playoff odds from 37 percent to 42 percent. That’s impressive and a great thing to have as they face the Maple Leafs again on Friday before another two-game road trip against the Winnipeg Jets.
Considering that this will be a very short season with just 56 regular-season games, every game counts. Whether it’s a blowout win or not the most exciting of games, a win is a win. More so than ever before, every single win counts this season.
Going up against the Maple Leafs and beating them on their home turf proved that yes, the Oilers are well on their way to fixing what needed to be fixed. Even center Leon Draisaitl scored a Power Play goal to also show the Oilers still got it when it comes to what should be their biggest strength of the team.
Trending. Do not hit the panic button on the Oilers just yet. light
Overall, keep that optimism and hope alive. The Oilers of the past should stay there as this is a new season filled with a lot of major potential for this team to actually make some serious noise. It’s going to be quite the year if the Oilers can continue evolving as a team and fixing all the little things to truly start taking off.