Hockey fans are asking a big question in Edmonton. Will a united front lift the Edmonton Oilers into a playoff position? With 20 games left, the Oilers need to make up three points to get into a western conference post season position.
Coach Ken Hitchock is hoping to utilize one of the oldest strategies in the book to try do just that. The “us against the world” mentality sometimes works in sport, and sometimes doesn’t.
On Wednesday Hitchcock stated that the Oilers have a chance to “prove people wrong.” That is exactly what Connor McDavid said as the all-star festivities started in San Jose late last week. It would appear that this is the team’s rallying cry.
The Oilers have made no measurable gains from last season to this one. The Oilers had 22 wins at the 50 game mark last February. This year the team has 23.
Edmonton resumes its season with six of eight games on the road starting Saturday. This team will need to galvanize and optimize in the next two weeks in order to have a chance.