Oilers keen to add another championship chapter to storied franchise
The Edmonton Oilers have a rich history.
This iteration wants to add another memorable chapter.
Connor McDavid's overtime goal Thursday clinched the first playoff Battle of Alberta in 31 years as the Oilers defeated the Calgary Flames 5-4 to move onto the Western Conference final.
Edmonton won the Stanley Cup five times between 1984 and 1990 with teams led by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey and Jari Kurri.
The franchise made another final in 2006, but lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games before missing the playoffs for 10 straight seasons.
And despite a roster featuring McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers had advanced to the second round just once in the star forwards' six previous campaigns until this spring.
Now they're dreaming of returning hockey's holy grail to the Alberta capital.
"We're proud of the Hall of Fame people that have come through our organization," Oilers interim head coach Jay Woodcroft said after eliminating the Flames. "We're proud of the different runs that the team has gone on throughout the years. But our team wants to contribute to that type of history.
"Our team is looking to make its own mark."
McDavid and Draisaitl lead the playoffs with a jaw-dropping 26 points each. The former put up 12 against Calgary, while the latter bagged an outrageous 17.
"We've had a lot of down moments," Draisaitl said looking back. "A lot of moments where people were hard on us.
"We haven't won yet. We're only halfway, but it feels good to take that next step."
Edmonton now awaits the winner of the Western Conference's other second-round series between the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche lead that matchup 3-2 with Game 6 set for Friday in St. Louis.
"It was an important moment for our team," Woodcroft said of McDavid's Game 5 heroics. "We're going to enjoy this."
The Oilers last made the third round of the playoffs 16 years ago when they defeated the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 4-1 before losing the Cup final to Carolina.
Edmonton, which defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in the opening round earlier this month, lost 9-6 to Calgary in Game 1, but then ripped off four straight wins by a combined 19-11 scoreline to clinch.
"Lots of swings," McDavid said. "Just hung in there all series and found a way.
"That was really the moral of the whole series."
The Flames topped the Pacific Division in the regular season — seven points clear of the second-place Oilers — but were unable to match the play of their provincial rivals.
Edmonton goalie Mike Smith outduelled Calgary counterpart and Vezina Trophy finalist Jacob Markstrom, while McDavid and Draisaitl had a clear edge over the Flames' best players, including Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk.
"They made it hard on us ... we had to push back twice as hard," Draisaitl said. "It was a great battle.
"But I think it shows our effort in our group, the type of guys that we have in our room, the resiliency to stick with it and get back to our game and take control."
So what was it like to take part in the first Battle of Alberta since Esa Tikkanen scored in overtime of Game 7 for the Oilers back in 1991?
"Special," McDavid said. "The fans were amazing in both buildings — especially in Edmonton.
"The energy and vibe around the city has been amazing."
That's certain to continue with the Oilers and a fan base that's endured plenty of lean years now just eight wins from the Cup.
"I'm sure the people at home are very excited," Draisailt said. "But we're only halfway. We're very excited. We're very happy, very proud of what we've achieved so far this post-season, but there's more to be had for us. That's our ultimate goal.
"Be proud of it — happy — but we're getting ready for the next round."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.