Well, they did it. The Oilers claimed a playoff spot. When it came
right down to it, the Oilers were able to beat sad-sack teams like
the Calgary Flames to squeak themselves into the playoffs.
Truth of the matter is, with the kind of start the Oilers had, they
should have been a lock for the playoffs and fighting for fifth
place. But no, they had to tail off dangerously and make it hard
on themselves and barely make eighth place.
It's too bad that had to happen, because now the Oil must face
first-placed Dallas Stars. That's not all bad news though, since
the Oil are facing their regular April opponents, the Stars.
Two years ago, in the first round the Oilers were able to come from
behind and beat the Stars in the last game of the seven-game
series. But last year, the Stars were able to crush the Oil in
five.
This Oiler team is considerable less talented than the team two
years and ago and last year. A major difference? Curtis Joseph.
People who follow the Toronto Maple Leafs know that Cujo has been
invaluable to the team and probably gave them about 20 extra
points. With his clutch goaltending, the Oilers sure could use him
now.
Now the Oilers seem so the underdogs, without two of their top
scorers during the regular season, Billy Guerin and Joe Beranek.
They'll probably be missing the two for at least the first couple
games, but hopefully they will be back in time for an upset against
the heavily favoured Stars.
Out on a High Note
The Oilers left the regular season on a high note with a six-game
unbeaten streak. The highest of the season. But it's not like the
Oilers were battling Goliaths. Their opponents were playoff
have-nots like the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames.
Sure, they played the Colorado Avalanche. But what did the Avs
care? They just wanted to get the game over with, then go out and
drink. The Avs cared so much about the game they started Craig
Billington instead of Pat Roy.
The Oilers definitely wanted to win that game and did. If anything
let's hope this builds some positive momentum into the playoffs and
not overconfidence. Because the Oilers haven't beaten the Stars at
all this year. The best they could muster was a 2-2 tie early this
season.
The Oilers need a miracle to beat the talent-laden, well-coached
Stars. As for a prediction? Stars in 5 games.
Big Bad Vlad and Mad Mike vs. the Stars?
Trade deadline acquisition Vladimir Vorobiev has two goals in two
games for the Oilers and management is praying he can continue that
streak into the playoffs. The big 6'5 winger could definitely do
some damage with his size and hands.
Mike Grier also finished the last month of the season on a hot
stretch. The last game of the season, he managed two goals to give
him 20 on the year. The most of his career.
The other big name of the last couple weeks is Tom Poti, who
supplied the Oilers with not one, but two game-winning goals down
the stretch drive. The rookie offensive defenseman is without a
doubt, a keeper.
The first Calgary game in Edmonton, Poti netted the game-winner,
which had put the Oilers ahead of Calgary in the Western Conference
standings. Then, in San Jose, the Oilers rallied back from a 2-0
deficit against the Sharks and won the game 5-4 in overtime.
Courtesy of a Tom Poti goal, which single-handedly launched the
Oilers into the 1999 playoffs. It was a furious back and forth
game as the Oilers and Sharks scored five goals in the last frame
forcing overtime. Where, of course the Oil prevailed.
If the Oilers can keep up the pace like this against the Stars, they
will hit the second round.
One Sad Day
Bye Wayne, and thanks. That's the simplest way to say goodbye to
Wayne Gretzky, former Edmonton Oiler and the greatest player of all
time.
The Great One, of course retired on Sunday after a week of
speculation. It was an emotional week for everyone, his fans, his
teammates and his family. Notably, Wayne's last game in Canada,
the New York Rangers against the Ottawa Senators.
The fans at the Corel Center in Ottawa gave Gretz a standing
ovation. It was really nice stuff.
He will be missed as the holder of 61 records, he was the best to
ever play the game.
