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Originally Posted by Oil Stain
Players/Coaches/Media say whatever suits their narrative in interviews.
Winning during a busy stretch of games? "It's great to get a good stretch of games so we can get in the rhythm."
Losing during a busy stretch of games? "We have had too much travel and no chance to practice which hasn't helped us get in the rhythm."
Home teams win more than away teams.
Tired teams, second night of back to backs, and especially third game in four games lose more than rested teams.
All the data I've ever seen backs up that playing at home and being rested is superior to playing tired and on the road.
I'll go with the data over what may be rationalizations.
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If only people were capable of a little nuance. Maybe not all situations are exactly the same.
Also, the Oilers are 4-5-1 at home, and 3-0-0 on the road. If not for the reprieve they got from a road trip, Oilernation would be in complete meltdown right now.
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Oilers are -1 in penalty diff at home. They are in a four way tie for 19th for most favourable home penalty differential.
Don't let facts get in the way of a good story though.
Clearly the NHL is out to get the Flames by giving them 9 out of their first ten games at home.
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Nice strawman to start the conversation, BTW... You obviously looked up the stats, so why not post what the Flames' differential is? In the last 7 games, the Flames are -11 (20 PPs to 31 for the opposition). Overall for the season, they are -8. Considering that the league explicitly seeks parity, and keeping penalties roughly even, being -8 after 10 games is pretty surprising.