Edmonton Oilers secure advantage that could swing entire Stanley Cup Final
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers are heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for a rematch against the Florida Panthers, and this time, they'll have home ice advantage.
The Oilers will be in a rare space for NHL teams who have played the first 3 rounds on the road, only to have home ice advantage in the Cup Final. And for Edmonton, home ice is a real advantage.
Oilers players believed Game 7 of last year's Cup Final would've been different in Edmonton
Home ice advantage in the playoffs can be overhyped at times, but the rabid fans in Rogers Place truly make Edmonton a hostile environment for any team.
The Oilers team truly does feed off the energy from the hardcore fans in Rogers Place and everywhere else in the city, too - giving the Oilers a boost and putting pressure on the opposition makes Edmonton's home ice advantage real.
Oilers broadcaster Jack Michaels revealed that multiple players thought Game 7 of last year's Cup Final may have been different if it was played in Edmonton.
I think it's on the back of everyone's mind that, had Game 7 been played in Edmonton's venue as opposed to South Florida, there may have been a different outcome.
- Jack Michaels
The Oilers actually admitting that home ice could make such a difference for them is meaningful in itself. They have the chance now, and they've got to seize it.
Now, if this series is pushed to an all-important Game 7, the Oilers will actually have every advantage on their side. The Stanley Cup Final will begin June 4th.
Previously on Oilers Daily
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MAI 30 | 1058 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers secure advantage that could swing entire Stanley Cup Final Do you think the Oilers will win the Stanley Cup? |
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