Oilers forward reveals heartbreaking moment in locker room after Stanley Cup Final loss
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Losing the Stanley Cup twice in a row to the same team both times was crushing enough for Oilers fans, but it was truly gutting for the players in the room.
Connor McDavid has made waves with his comments following the loss with a directly angered tone. The Captain is clearly ticked off, but in the locker room, the reaction was much different.
Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin reveals heartbreaking moment after Game 6
After last year's Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers were crushed in the locker room, but the group immediately came together. Zach Hyman was on video passionately declaring the Oilers would be back in the Cup Final next year.
According to Vasily Podkolzin in a new interview with RG, the Oilers did not say a word in the locker room after the loss. The group even went out for dinner afterward, which was still totally silent.
We just sat in the locker room in silence. No one even looked at each other,» he said. «Later, we had a team dinner at the hotel. We sat there for an hour, eating and drinking beer, and no one said anything. The mood was terrible. What was there to say? I really thought things would go differently.
- Vasily Podkolzin
- Vasily Podkolzin
To a degree, Podkolzin is right that there really wasn't anything to say for the Oilers. They had been in that exact situation 365 days prior, know the lessons of losing, but were now forced to taste it again.
The Oilers know what they needed to do to win, and to get back next season. But after the loss, nothing anyone could say would help.
Podkolzin also added that he's thrilled to be playing an important role with the Oilers, playing with Draisaitl, and hopes to re-sign long term in Edmonton.
I love playing with Draisaitl - he's a true master. It was easy for me, because I always knew where he'd be. He's usually on the right side, and you pass the puck there, knowing how the play will unfold. And honestly, not many players get to be on a line with Draisaitl.
I want to reach my full potential here in Edmonton. Maybe this will sound bold to some, but if I get the chance to stay with the Oilers, I'd be happy to keep playing here and developing.
- Vasily Podkolzin
I want to reach my full potential here in Edmonton. Maybe this will sound bold to some, but if I get the chance to stay with the Oilers, I'd be happy to keep playing here and developing.
- Vasily Podkolzin
Podkolzin was a great worker for the Oilers this season, and showed some chemistry playing alongside Leon Draisaitl. On a cheap contract, he'll absolutely be worth bringing back next season.
He'll be an interesting player to watch over the next few seasons, and possibly if he could take an extra step. If the former 10th overall pick can reclaim any scoring in his game, he could be a very valuable player.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 910 ANSWERS Oilers forward reveals heartbreaking moment in locker room after Stanley Cup Final loss Do you think the Oilers should've said something after losing the Cup? | ||
| Yes, leaders need to speak up | 450 | 49.5 % |
| Nothing would help | 460 | 50.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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