Aki-Petteri Pulkkinen
The same record just keeps spinning, writes NHL journalist Aki-Petteri Pulkkinen.
(updated )
A huge surprise is brewing in the NHL.
The Stanley Cup finalist of the last two years, the Edmonton Oilers, is already out of the NHL playoffs in the first round.
The Anaheim Ducks also won their second home game in a way that will speak for a long time to come, and now lead the series 3–1.
Having lost three games in a row, the Oilers would have to win the next three games.
But would it ultimately be that much of a surprise if the Oilers fell?
Is Connor McDavid in full game shape? PDO
Edmonton’s team is weaker than last season in many respects.
Playoff experience and depth have left the team in droves, as, among others, reliable defenseman Brett Kulak, cornerback Corey Perry and versatile Connor Brown have already moved on to new addresses.
The number one stars are clearly not playing anywhere close to full fitness.
Above all, the goalkeeper carousel in the oil city is already at a tragic level.
The organization is squandering the prime years of the greatest offensive talent in hockey history – Connor McDavid – with lousy goaltending and team building.
Even in Finland, there are many people who follow the NHL, who immediately saw that replacing Stuart Skinner with Tristan Jarry would not solve the team’s goaltending crisis.
Why was this not understood in the Oilers corner room?
And yes, you had to try to make changes, but now Edmonton wasn’t even serious.
McDavid signed a value-for-money extension with the club, but speculation has been going on for a while now as to whether McDavid will play out his new, two-year contract in Edmonton.
At this rate, it’s hard to see.
The night before Monday, it was Tristan Jarry’s turn to bow to Anaheim. Changing did not improve. PDO
Before the start of the match series, it was agreed to expect the Oilers to have either an ideal or a loathsome opponent from the Ducks. Nothing in between.
The latter scenario has come true.
With Edmonton’s ferocious offensive potential, it was easy to see the Oilers coming out on top in the scoring contests, even if their heads were bleeding.
The games have been high-scoring, but the Ducks’ attack has also been effective. This has been caused by Edmonton’s weak goaltending, defenders falling asleep individually, and a gaping five-man play.
Connor McDavid’s contract with Edmonton expires in the spring of 2028. Already last summer, it was expected that this season would be a small-scale passing season for the Oilers before the push for next season.
Getting knocked out in the opening round would still be disappointing.
