CALGARY -
The Edmonton Oilers have a wealthy historical past.
This iteration desires so as to add one other memorable chapter.
Connor McDavid's time beyond regulation objective Thursday clinched the primary playoff Battle of Alberta in 31 years because the Oilers defeated the Calgary Flames 5-4 to maneuver onto the Western Convention last.
Edmonton received the Stanley Cup 5 instances between 1984 and 1990 with groups led by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey and Jari Kurri.
The franchise made one other last in 2006, however misplaced to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven video games earlier than lacking the playoffs for 10 straight seasons.
And regardless of a roster that includes McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers had superior to the second spherical simply as soon as within the star forwards' six earlier campaigns till this spring.
Now they're dreaming of returning hockey's holy grail to the Alberta capital.
"We're happy with the Corridor of Fame those that have come by our group," Oilers interim head coach Jay Woodcroft mentioned after eliminating the Flames. "We're happy with the totally different runs that the group has gone on all through the years. However our group desires to contribute to that kind of historical past.
"Our group is seeking to make its personal mark."
McDavid and Draisaitl lead the playoffs with a jaw-dropping 26 factors every. The previous put up 12 towards Calgary, whereas the latter bagged an outrageous 17.
"We have had numerous down moments," Draisaitl mentioned wanting again. "Plenty of moments the place individuals had been laborious on us.
"We've not received but. We're solely midway, however it feels good to take that subsequent step."
Edmonton now awaits the winner of the Western Convention's different second-round collection between the Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche lead that matchup 3-2 with Sport 6 set for Friday in St. Louis.
"It was an vital second for our group," Woodcroft mentioned of McDavid's Sport 5 heroics. "We will take pleasure in this."
The Oilers final made the third spherical of the playoffs 16 years in the past once they defeated the Mighty Geese of Anaheim 4-1 earlier than shedding the Cup last to Carolina.
Edmonton, which defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 within the opening spherical earlier this month, misplaced 9-6 to Calgary in Sport 1, however then ripped off 4 straight wins by a mixed 19-11 scoreline to clinch.
"A lot of swings," McDavid mentioned. "Simply hung in there all collection and located a manner.
"That was actually the ethical of the entire collection."
The Flames topped the Pacific Division within the common season — seven factors away from the second-place Oilers — however had been unable to match the play of their provincial rivals.
Edmonton goalie Mike Smith outduelled Calgary counterpart and Vezina Trophy finalist Jacob Markstrom, whereas McDavid and Draisaitl had a transparent edge over the Flames' finest gamers, together with Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk.
"They made it laborious on us ... we needed to push again twice as laborious," Draisaitl mentioned. "It was an excellent battle.
"However I feel it reveals our effort in our group, the kind of guys that we now have in our room, the resiliency to keep it up and get again to our recreation and take management."
So what was it like to participate within the first Battle of Alberta since Esa Tikkanen scored in time beyond regulation of Sport 7 for the Oilers again in 1991?
"Particular," McDavid mentioned. "The followers had been superb in each buildings — particularly in Edmonton.
"The power and vibe across the metropolis has been superb."
That is sure to proceed with the Oilers and a fan base that is endured loads of lean years now simply eight wins from the Cup.
"I am positive the individuals at dwelling are very excited," Draisailt mentioned. "However we're solely midway. We're very excited. We're very completely satisfied, very happy with what we have achieved up to now this post-season, however there's extra available for us. That is our final objective.
"Be happy with it — completely satisfied — however we're preparing for the following spherical."
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Might 27, 2022.
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