The electricity in Edmonton is almost palpable right now. Walking down Jasper Avenue yesterday, I counted no fewer than seven people sporting bright orange Oilers jerseys – on a workday, mind you. The playoff fever has thoroughly infected our city, and honestly, I’m not looking for a cure.
As the Oilers prepare to host Game 5 against the Los Angeles Kings tonight, there’s a confident energy surging through Edmonton that feels different from previous years. Maybe it’s because our special teams have found their groove at exactly the right moment.
“It’s not just about having talent. It’s about execution under pressure,” veteran forward Zach Hyman told me after yesterday’s practice. His eyes held that intense focus players develop during playoff runs. “When your special teams click, it changes everything.”
And clicking they certainly are. The Oilers’ power play has converted at a remarkable rate through the first four games, giving them a critical edge in close contests. After struggling with consistency during parts of the regular season, this resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time.
I’ve covered this team through thick and thin for years now, and I can tell you that special teams success in the playoffs creates a psychological advantage that extends beyond just the scoreboard. You can see it in how the Kings defenders approach McDavid and Draisaitl now – with that split-second of hesitation that makes all the difference.
Rogers Place will be an ocean of orange tonight. The last time I experienced an atmosphere this electric was during the 2022 playoff run. Local sports bars are already reporting full reservation lists, and the downtown core has transformed into a celebration of all things Oilers.
“The fans here are something else,” Kings head coach Todd McLellan admitted during his media availability. “Edmonton knows hockey, and they create an environment that’s challenging for road teams. We’ve got to weather that initial storm.”
Speaking with several season ticket holders at a local coffee shop this morning, I was struck by the cautious optimism that’s replaced the familiar playoff anxiety of past years. Longtime fan Margaret Wilson, who hasn’t missed a home playoff game since 2017, summed it up perfectly.
“This team feels different. They’re finding ways to win that don’t always rely on McDavid or Draisaitl being superhuman. That’s what championship teams do,” she said, clutching her mug emblazoned with the Oilers logo.
The penalty kill deserves special mention too. Watching Wednesday’s game, I was impressed by the aggressive positioning and stick work that repeatedly frustrated the Kings’ power play. Assistant coach Mark Stuart has clearly made adjustments that are paying dividends.
Local sports analyst Devon Chang from Edmonton Sports Network believes the special teams battle will ultimately decide this series.
“When you’re converting power plays and shutting down the opposition’s chances, you’re essentially winning the hidden game within the game,” Chang explained during our phone conversation yesterday. “The Oilers have found that extra gear on special teams that championship contenders need.”
The economic impact of a deep playoff run isn’t lost on local businesses either. Jasper Avenue pubs and restaurants are staffing up, expecting the kind of crowds they haven’t seen since before the pandemic. The familiar ritual of playoff hockey is breathing life back into our downtown core.
For tonight’s game, coach Kris Knoblauch has kept his line combinations close to the vest, but during yesterday’s practice, I noticed some interesting potential adjustments to the second power play unit that could give the Kings yet another look to defend against.
“We’ve got multiple options, multiple looks we can give them,” Knoblauch noted cryptically when I asked him about it. “In playoff hockey, adaptability becomes your greatest strength.”
As someone who has followed this team through rebuilding years and heartbreaking exits, there’s something undeniably special about this group. Perhaps it’s the perfect blend of star power, depth scoring,
