Pre-Game Talk: Party like it’s 1997 - Edmonton vs Dallas

[Jimmi McJenkins]

Ekholm and maybe Nurse?

 

[Yeah15]

Kind of off topic a bit, but this is absolute gouging by the Oilers in terms of ticket prices.

We have a half season set, and we get our tickets for this round for I believe $360. Seat beside us on retail is $500. We're 2nd row in the upper.

I remember when you used to have to frantically get in queue to get these tickets and if you were lucky you may be able to snag a set on limited release.

30% of the building is still unsold as of this morning it looks like. Would be an absolute joke to not have it sold out because of this crap. 2 people having to fork out $1000 just to get into the building for upper bowl tickets is absolutely insane.

At least the beer is cheap once you get in the building!

 

[McDrai]

Kind off topic a bit, but this is absolute gouging by the Oilers in terms of ticket prices.

We have a half season set, and we get our tickets for this round for I believe $360. Seat beside us on retail is $500. We're 2nd row in the upper.

I remember when you used to have to frantically get in queue to get these tickets and if you were lucky you may be able to snag a set on limited release.

30% of the building is still unsold as of this morning it looks like. Would be an absolute joke to not have it sold out because of this crap. 2 people having to fork out $1000 just to get into the building for upper bowl tickets is absolutely insane.

Unfortunately with the state of the economy, people have a lot less expendable income these days than they had years ago. I for one have foregone going to games even though I have a stable, decent paying job (same as my partner).

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Well except for that time he missed practice likely coming back late from a trip to Paris. But I consider that model citizenship cause it’s Kane, it’s what we signed up for.

Surprised that I did not hear about that situation. However he's been missing optional practices this playoffs to rest and recover with the lingering sports hernia. Come game time the guy has been locked in.

 

[TheNumber4]

Surprised that I did not hear about that situation. However he's been missing optional practices this playoffs to rest and recover with the lingering sports hernia. Come game time the guy has been locked in.

He has been a good citizen for sure. But yeh there’s been missed practices before. It was the practice after our break week. And in that week it was reported Kane went to Paris (pictures on his Instagram). First practice back he didn’t make it with a reported flu or something. But it was right after the Paris thing, so maybe he missed a flight.

But whatever, whatever Kane needs I’m fine with. As long as he brings it.

 

[K1984]

Kind of off topic a bit, but this is absolute gouging by the Oilers in terms of ticket prices.

We have a half season set, and we get our tickets for this round for I believe $360. Seat beside us on retail is $500. We're 2nd row in the upper.

I remember when you used to have to frantically get in queue to get these tickets and if you were lucky you may be able to snag a set on limited release.

30% of the building is still unsold as of this morning it looks like. Would be an absolute joke to not have it sold out because of this crap. 2 people having to fork out $1000 just to get into the building for upper bowl tickets is absolutely insane.

We're finally paying the price for the insanity of the secondary market.

In 2022 my playoff seats were about 40% cheaper AND I had the opportunity to buy a second pair of seats for the entirety of the playoffs. Result? STH's bought up another pair and flipped them for 100%+ mark up resulting in pretty much no availability at face value. They quickly changed that, and to be honest I can't blame them for it. Building will still very likely sell out and they get to take home 3/4X the revenue.

Having said this - it is not fair that season ticket holders that pay a ton of money through the year to get playoff access get raked over the coals like this. Simple solution - offer STH's a lower price, but make their tickets completely non-transferrable. Rewards the people that legitimately want to go themselves, while taking some margin away from those that are only there to buy and sell.

 

[Behind Enemy Lines]

He has been a good citizen for sure. But yeh there’s been missed practices before. It was the practice after our break week. And in that week it was reported Kane went to Paris (pictures on his Instagram). First practice back he didn’t make it with a reported flu or something. But it was right after the Paris thing, so maybe he missed a flight.

But whatever, whatever Kane needs I’m fine with. As long as he brings it.

Gotcha, thanks for context.

 

[Messrules11]

I would risk a penalty or two targeting Wyatt Johnston for destruction. Give this kid his welcome to the NHL moment and see if his rookie ass won’t wilt with some physicality.

Yup, don’t give him any respect. Punish him at every opportunity. Same goes for Seguin, can’t stand that player.

 

[Whoshattenkirkshoes]

Ekholm and maybe Nurse?

Fwiw I bumped into Stetcher and his GF after game 7 and they were just getting over a cold.

We're finally paying the price for the insanity of the secondary market.

In 2022 my playoff seats were about 40% cheaper AND I had the opportunity to buy a second pair of seats for the entirety of the playoffs. Result? STH's bought up another pair and flipped them for 100%+ mark up resulting in pretty much no availability at face value. They quickly changed that, and to be honest I can't blame them for it. Building will still very likely sell out and they get to take home 3/4X the revenue.

Having said this - it is not fair that season ticket holders that pay a ton of money through the year to get playoff access get raked over the coals like this. Simple solution - offer STH's a lower price, but make their tickets completely non-transferrable. Rewards the people that legitimately want to go themselves, while taking some margin away from those that are only there to buy and sell.

great idea

 

[WaitingForUser]

what could have possibly happened to Henrique I still don't get it, was the spained ankle that bad?

It’s a high ankle sprain these can take up to 6-8 weeks to heal and sometimes longer depending on the severity

 

[McBeastMode]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1793349133207503179

 

[StoveTopStauffer]

It’s a high ankle sprain these can take up to 6-8 weeks to heal and sometimes longer depending on the severity

Do we even know when it occurred approx?

 

[Messrules11]

We're finally paying the price for the insanity of the secondary market.

In 2022 my playoff seats were about 40% cheaper AND I had the opportunity to buy a second pair of seats for the entirety of the playoffs. Result? STH's bought up another pair and flipped them for 100%+ mark up resulting in pretty much no availability at face value. They quickly changed that, and to be honest I can't blame them for it. Building will still very likely sell out and they get to take home 3/4X the revenue.

Having said this - it is not fair that season ticket holders that pay a ton of money through the year to get playoff access get raked over the coals like this. Simple solution - offer STH's a lower price, but make their tickets completely non-transferrable. Rewards the people that legitimately want to go themselves, while taking some margin away from those that are only there to buy and sell.

The average ticket price for Rangers in round 3 is $2200, average ticket price in Dallas is $1100. Lmao

 

[Gordian Knot]

I don't get the negative sentiment and looking Dallas anykind of favorite for the series.

Oilers improved in Canuck games 6. and 7. on those areas which will definitely help against Stars as well.

Solid and relentless forecheck with heavy hits on their key D-men

Neutral zone plays with and without the puck, skated more and faster than Nucks who are faster than Dallas if Hintz is out

Closing the House, there was no room for Nucks forwards to make plays anywhere else than from blueline or corners, will be crucial against Dallas as well.

Opening occasionally long crossing pass from own blue line to Nucks blue line, it was kryptonite for slow D-men like Cole and Zadorov, will be the same against Suter and Lindell as well, Heiskanen can only play so many minutes

Limiting shots against, so blocking and intercepting passes plus stick defence improved through the series.

One notch up again and we can beat them.

If Henrique is back and McDavid is through the flu, we are even better.
Holloway is improving game to game when confidence is growing, will fire up some our other forwards with his play.

I predict we take first game with special teams, then Dallas makes it even in tight overtime thriller.

Both home games we are better team and win those, then next overtime game comes in Dallas G5 and Kane scores OTGWG.

I have some faith to share if someone is shaking.

 

[TheNumber4]

Yup, don’t give him any respect. Punish him at every opportunity. Same goes for Seguin, can’t stand that player.

For sure. Get them out of their comfort zone. Same thing we eventually figured out against Garland, the moment we started focusing and targeting him he wilted. Need that right off the bat for guys like Wyatt who we already know is firing on all cylinders

Head on a swivel whenever Benn is running around too. He will look to lay a huge hit to set the tone. We need to be ready and aware of that.

 

[K1984]

The average ticket price for Rangers in round 3 is $2200, average ticket price in Dallas is $1100. Lmao

The Ranger prices are obscene.

I was thinking about going to New York for the Oilers Islanders -> Devils -> Rangers trip earlier in the year, but I couldn't make it work. When I was looking at tickets I was thinking that I would spring for pricy (think $5-700) tickets for the one time I'll probably ever attend a game at MSG.

Little did I know that $5-700 would get you a ticket, but in the rafters at FACE VALUE. If I remember right about $1,200 was the starting point to get into the lower bowl at all. This being a regular season game in December. Insanity.

 

[Canovin]

Is Wyatt the best player on Dallas? I feel like they have so many good players it's hard to single out one.

Wyatt
Hintz(injured but expected to be back)
Heiskanen
Robertson
Stankoven
Seguin
Benn
Tanev
Pavelski
Duchene
Harley

Oettinger

 

[Gordian Knot]

Is Wyatt the best player on Dallas? I feel like they have so many good players it's hard to single out one.

Wyatt
Hintz(injured but expected to be back)
Heiskanen
Robertson
Stankoven
Seguin
Benn
Tanev
Pavelski
Duchene
Harley

Oettinger

Heiskanen is the best.

Duchene and Harley are both above Pavelski, high mileage is catching him fast.

 

[Messrules11]

The Ranger prices are obscene.

I was thinking about going to New York for the Oilers Islanders -> Devils -> Rangers trip earlier in the year, but I couldn't make it work. When I was looking at tickets I was thinking that I would spring for pricy (think $5-700) tickets for the one time I'll probably ever attend a game at MSG.

Little did I know that $5-700 would get you a ticket, but in the rafters at FACE VALUE. If I remember right about $1,200 was the starting point to get into the lower bowl at all. This being a regular season game in December. Insanity.

It really is, even New Yorkers are balking at these prices. These are just average prices for one ticket, imagine a pair on the glass?
Holy f****

 

[Canovin]

Heiskanen is the best.

Duchene and Harley are both above Pavelski, high mileage is catching him fast.

Oh for sure. These are just of the top of my head in no order

 

[Ibanez]

Is Wyatt the best player on Dallas? I feel like they have so many good players it's hard to single out one.

Wyatt
Hintz(injured but expected to be back)
Heiskanen
Robertson
Stankoven
Seguin
Benn
Tanev
Pavelski
Duchene
Harley

Oettinger

We have a lot of good players too. Should be a good series

 

[ToeMcDrag83]

Tremendous mettle by the team to pull off the Vancouver series. Per usual, making it more interesting than it needed to be, even in the last bit of Game 7, but overall we deserved that series and nice to see that rewarded. Full circle on the team that derailed our season at the beginning sending us to the bottom of the pit and finally exorcising the demon when it mattered. I hope that frees them of a long-sitting mental weight and we see the full potential of this team come out against Dallas.

Watching most Dallas games, they are playing championship level hockey. All 4 lines look purposeful, know their jobs, and are completely in sync. They are playing the same way regardless of the score, looking as comfortable in double OT as they are from the drop of the puck. DeBoer is a great coach that has demonstrated having a solid plan for McDavid in playoffs past. They added great pieces both in the offseason (Duchene) and at the deadline (Tanev). Oettinger also looks like he's rolling super well. They have key contributors under 25 in Johnston, Stankoven, Robertson. I don't think our bottom 6 will be able to go head to head with theirs over a long series. This will be a huge battle and mountain to climb.

So all that being said, keys for us to make this our series:

-Our best player needs to be the best player in the series. Hopefully McDavid can overcome his ailment/injury, we all know we haven't seen his best this playoffs, and honestly this year. We are back where we wanted to be, this is his moment to seize. I think Drai/Bouchard are clicking next level all playoffs. The version of Nuge that eventually surfaced in the Canucks series is what we need. Kane and Hyman doing their jobs, much needed improvement from the 2023 playoffs (at least the Vegas series).
-Special teams. Very pleased with the PK more than anything else. The PP will always get its looks, so hopefully it can score at key times to grow some leads and get back in games we are down.
-Skinner need to play 0.920 hockey. I am still not confident in him, but he did his job in G6 and 7. I am hoping him feeling a few more pucks from the Stars, and being a bit busier than ~15 shots a game, actually improves his play to the level we need.
-Quick outs. Dallas might be the best forechecking team in the West. D collectively did a much better job in G6 and 7 with better support low from forwards. A healthy Ekholm (hopefully) gives us more of this, and he's still been solid frankly. Nice to see Nurse and Ceci string together a couple good games.
-The Holloway challenge. Stars have spit out youngsters that are absolutely killing it. Need our X-factor to take that challenge and show his stuff. He's been amazing this playoffs, and shining in a top 6 role. Him elevating to show he belongs with at least the Stankoven's of the league would be huge.
-Do not take home ice for granted. Dallas is remarkably beast like on the road. We have to be strong at home. If Dallas gets to 3 wins by Game 4, it's probably over.

We have a chance. If you want the Cup, have to slay every dragon along the way. Dallas imo is deeper than Vegas was last year. It's time boys, take the West and then take that Cup.

 

[94 Oil Drops]

i question your considerably better defence claim, heiskanen and lindell are great players, suter is old, tanev is hurt, petrovic sucks. i think our D matches up very well with theirs and they arent overly physical.

also Dallas PK is dogshit...oilers in 6

Forgot Tanev was hurt. That's a break for us cause he's a monster when it comes to playing defense. Nurse and Ceci suck though. So there's that.

Sounds like you've spent too much time reading the Leafs posts in thread on the mains.

Ya got me.

 

[McBigYak]

Unfortunately with the state of the economy, people have a lot less expendable income these days than they had years ago. I for one have foregone going to games even though I have a stable, decent paying job (same as my partner).

Yeah it's kind of sad. But even when the economy was better, the tickets were much lower in price.

I get what the Oilers have done and from a profitability standpoint, whatever, it makes sense. Over the last few years the resale market has just been insanity. So all they did was close that gap so it's the Oilers bringing in the cash and not third party sellers.

But this is getting absurd.

 

[McBigYak]

The average ticket price for Rangers in round 3 is $2200, average ticket price in Dallas is $1100. Lmao

What, where are you seeing this? I can go online and buy lower bowl 15 rows up for $300 USD in Dallas.

Can still grab tickets to the NYR game tonight for $500 USD.

Oil have the most expensive tickets out of any team left in the post season.