Quote:
Originally Posted by Mathgod
Avs backup goalie played tonight too.
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I wouldn't call Blackwood as their backup. He's projected to be their starter in game one of the playoffs. Wedgewood has been the better goalie this season, but he's always been a veteran backup 1B.
I think the only way to salvage this season is to put money on the Oilers to make it to the third round, the Finals, and sadly maybe even win it all. The Pacific is a joke, we all can agree on that. The Oilers own Dallas in the playoffs and the Avs have choked for years (and yes their goalies are a liability).
I actually think Minnesota would be the Oilers toughest test. The Oilers have never matched up well against Minny. Yet the Wild still need to get past Colorado and Dallas, while the Oilers will coast against the dregs in their division. The Pacific was bad last year, but in 2026 it's even worse.
Then out East the competition is less even less imposing. Who knows what to make of Buffalo, they're on a hot streak, but how long will that last? The Hurricanes are Dallas East and will likely get dumped in the third round. I like Tampa, but they haven't fared well in the playoffs recently and their backend seems suspect. There is no Florida Panthers team to save us this year.
Plus let's face it the NHL wants their darlings to win the Cup. The league wants McDavid to finish the story and win before he rides off into the sunset. There's only three opportunities remaining, and they can't go on deep runs into the playoffs every year. Other teams like the Ducks and Sharks are catching up, so this might be Edmonton's only chance.
I'm certain we will see even more calls go the Oilers way in the Spring. The only way I can salvage it will be putting money on them, and turning off the television. Hope for the best, expect the worst. The playoffs have been tough to swallow the past couple years, may as prepare for the worst case scenario now.