I get a lot of the negative sentiment, and lord knows I was one of the most critical early in the season and had doubts in this playoffs about them advancing.
I think there’s reason to still be hopeful, getting this close in my mind is an attraction. For current players to want to stay, at a fair price and potentially those in the market to want to check it out. Yes the team will be older and that will be dealt with (Broberg and Holloway help with that) but I don’t think Drai and Mcdavid are going over a cliff.
That said, things need to change, the entire season needs to have a different focus. A strong start is essential, as is capturing home ice advantage. The strong start is needed so we can manage the load on the big guys. If we are good enough there’s no reason they should take regular 2 minute power play shifts for example. 5 on 5 the team needs to be better across the lineup.
In the playoffs, I think your mantra isn’t to win 4 games, it’s a race to 3. As we saw in the scf you need multiple shots to close the deal, or it catches uo with you. Too often the oilers chased a series, they need to get better to end the early rounds with less wear and tear.
And still, the odds are against winning, it’s the hardest trophy to win for a reason. One key injury, one hot goalie, on or two bad bounces and you are out, but they still have as great a chance as anyone.
