Zach Hyman calls out Edmonton Oilers for big flaw in past playoffs
Everything about this year's playoff run for the Edmonton Oilers feels different. In Zach Hyman's pre-game interview today, he bluntly laid out one aspect of the team which needs to change this year: the first game.
You want to be calm and confident going into the first game, but you also wanna be ready to go and not too calm. You know, this team could take a step in playing well in game ones. I think obviously should be the focus in our group, is to take advantage of home ice in game one.
The Oilers currently have one of the longest active losing streaks in series openers across the NHL. The team hasn't won the first game of a playoff series in 7 straight series - and that just isn't sustainable. In the first matchup against LA tonight with the home crowd behind them, the Oilers need to come out with a bang.
At practice today, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed the starting lineup for the team against the Kings tonight. Notably, Evander Kane will skate on the fourth line after he revealed yesterday he's suffering from a hernia, and isn't anywhere close to 100%. Kane has been an X-Factor player for the Oilers in past playoffs, so someone else will have to step up this year.
Oilers fans are now watching the ninth year of McDavid's tenure with the team, and it's now becoming urgent that the team does some real damage in the playoffs. With large contracts looming and the expected retirement of their GM Ken Holland, a long run in the playoffs, or a Stanley Cup win will certainly help ease the Oilers offseason business - and certainly the fans as well.
| POLL | ||
Have you noticed the Oilers start off series slow? | ||
| Yes, absolutely | 177 | 64.1 % |
| No, just been unlucky | 79 | 28.6 % |
| See Results | 20 | 7.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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