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Oilers insider reveals team's thoughts on bizarre NHL scheduling decision


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Liam McCormick
May 24, 2025  (7:30 PM)
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Edmonton Oilers celebrating a win
Photo credit: USA Today Sports

The Edmonton Oilers are returning home to prepare for Game 3 against the Dallas Stars, and it will be a different preparation routine for a matinee game at 1:00MT.

The NHL's decision to give the Oilers a matinee game for their opening home game of the Conference Final hasn't been popular with fans, but apparently the players don't mind at all.

Oilers insider reveals how team thinks about rare matinee playoff game

Oilers insider Jason Gregor asked a number of players about what they think of the early game, and most players said it makes no difference to them at all.
The players don't feel this matinee playoff game is a big deal. They don't fly after games anymore and they don't feel the 5 hour difference in start time will cause any more fatigue. Some of the guys actually like it better.
Team have taken steps to improve how players prepare for games, including no more late-night flights, so it really doesn't affect them as much anymore. It still may affect the routine of some players who do pre-game naps, but that would be about it.
For the fans, the matinee game is much more divisive. Playoff games in the night slot always feel like the main event of the Sports world, and allows a whole day of build up and anticipation of the game. With early start times, all that is gone.
One player went on the record saying he's never once played in a matinee playoff game: Zach Hyman.
Although the Oilers are known for a poorer record in unpredictable matinee games, Mark Spector revealed their record is better than fans may expect.
Hopefully, the Oilers get the advantage with the early start being on home ice, and if anything it throws off the Dallas Stars a bit more. One thing's for sure, Edmonton will be a zoo all day Sunday.
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Oilers insider reveals team's thoughts on bizarre NHL scheduling decision

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