Coach Knoblauch admits key difference in this year's team before Cup Final
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The Edmonton Oilers have clinched their spot in the Stanley Cup Final, but there was almost no celebration for joy from the players - because this year is different for this team.
Connor McDavid has a reputation for being a superstitious player, but then touched the Conference Final Trophy for the first time. It was a direct sign that they don't care about that anymore, they just have a job to do.
Oilers coach Knoblauch admits team didn't try as hard this regular season to prepare for playoffs
Speaking to Oilers reporter Gene Principe after last night's game, Coach Knoblauch admitted that the team had a completely different attitude this whole season. No one was focused on goals, points, or even at times the regular season at all. It was about the playoffs all season long.
It's not a revenge thing. We're just trying to finish what was done. It was on our minds' a lot during the season. I know the guys were maybe not every single night putting in 100%, just because it was on their minds that they're saving it for playoffs. I'm so happy for the guys, the way they've played throughout the playoffs.
- Coach Knoblauch
- Coach Knoblauch
It's shocking to see the coach of a team so readily admit the Oilers may not have been firing at 100% effort this year, and be so okay with the outcome. But really, the Oilers had nothing to prove in the regular season. It all comes down to the spring.
Connor McDavid showed he believed that by touching the Conference Final Trophy, but he also said the same when speaking to media. This year's Oilers were far less emotional through the year, and now they're prepared for this moment to take care of unfinished business.
With a rematch against the Florida Panthers, the Oilers have the full opportunity to finish the progress they made last year. They're just 4 wins away from the first Stanley Cup in the McDavid era.
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MAI 30 | 910 ANSWERS Coach Knoblauch admits key difference in this year's team before Cup Final Do you think the Oilers will win the Stanley Cup? | ||
| Yes | 831 | 91.3 % |
| No | 79 | 8.7 % |
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