The Oilers are currently tied for first in the division with the Vegas Golden Knights, but have one game in hand. Now, the team is making a goal to finish out the season strong, and win home ice advantage in the playoffs.
On the 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast today, Oilers play by play broadcaster Jack Michaels said his feeling from the locker room is a much higher emphasis on winning home ice - and that they wonder how home ice could've changed the result of Game 7.
Rogers Place in Edmonton is a truly raucous environment, and paired with the elite talent on the roster, playing against the Oilers as the away team always looks like an incredibly intimidating experience.
Connor McDavid had a legendary quote in the Cup Final last season when he said they needed to drag the Panthers back to Alberta. That alludes to the Oilers intense belief in their heavy home ice advantage.
The Oilers had a record of 8-4 on home ice in last year's playoffs, losing just one home game per series. If they maintain that rate with actually having home ice advantage, the Oilers would walk to a Stanley Cup.
It's encouraging to hear the Oilers broadcaster, who has a close relationship with the team, relay the confidence the players feel when playing in front of Oil Country. There's truly no more passionate fanbase in the NHL.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3 | 323 ANSWERS Oilers roster believes Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final would've been different with one factor Do you think the Oilers would've won Game 7 on home ice? | ||
Yes | 285 | 88.2 % |
No | 38 | 11.8 % |
List of polls |