Rare sight at Oilers practice in Florida before Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final
Photo credit: Gene Principe on X
The Edmonton Oilers took the ice for practice today in Florida before a critical Game 4, with a rare sight observed by media.
Oilers have fully-attended optional skate before Game 4 of Cup Final
According to Oilers reporter Gene Principe, the team officially had the ice booked today for an option skate that's usually for scratches and Black Aces. Instead, nearly the entire team got on the ice for what was closer to a full practice.
Also including
Connor McDavid and
Leon Draisaitl, it goes to show just how eager the Oilers are to get back on the ice after a blowout loss. Led by their two best players putting in extra work, it draws in the rest of the roster to do the same.
After getting blown out 6-1, the Oilers need the extra work and adjustments before Game 4. The extra day of rest will help the Oilers prepare to make their changes.
According to TSN insider Ryan Rishaug, the Oilers PR told media that today would only be a skate for scratches, and didn't provide a time for coverage.
Rishaug believes this move was to get away from the media of the Cup Final, and in a way, it may be. The team is clearly trying to lock in for the next game, and the media's presence doesn't help them at all.
Game 4 isn't quite a must-win yet, but it will be a critical turning point in the series. If the Oilers win, they'll be comfortable with a best of 3 with Joel ice advantage. If their poor play in Florida continues with another loss, they'll face a monumental battle to come back and win the Cup.
If there was any time for an extra practice just for the team without any media, it's for this moment. The Oilers are fully prepared and ready for a critical game - now they just have to execute.
Previously on Oilers Daily
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JUIN 11 | 660 ANSWERS Rare sight at Oilers practice in Florida before Game 4 of Stanley Cup Final Do you think the Oilers intentionally threw off the media at practice? |
Yes | 545 | 82.6 % |
No | 115 | 17.4 % |
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