I know we lost but what an entertaining game. There was 10 times the positives in this loss than there was in any of our wins this season. I've been pessimistic since last season and into the offseason, this game gave me hope. Why? We saw the Oilers actually create in the O Zone. I forgot they even had the ability with how they were playing for awhile now.
Another big reason I have a glimmer of hope. This game reminded me so much of the March 10, 2017 battle between the Pens and Oilers. In that game, where the Oilers also lost in extra time I saw a team I hadn't seen all season. A fast team, that could execute passes, that could create chances like the other contenders in the league. We ended up outshooting them 42-30 in that game similar to today where we were all over them offensively.
After that loss in 2016-2017 to the Pens the Oilers found a groove and went 11-3-1 to end the season. I've always pinpointed that exact game as the game I knew we were good enough to not only make the playoffs but compete in the playoffs. I think that's the game the team started to really beleive in themselves and click too.
Maybe I'm drawing too many parallels, and looking through rose coloured glasses after a very exciting game. But let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if we see a faster, quicker, more dangerous team after this one.
Here's the highlights from that game to refresh your memory: