When Kris Knoblauch had a mix-up with his car keys on the night the Oilers secured a place in the Stanley Cup Final, he got a firsthand experience of how passionate Edmonton is about their playoff run.
As he walked home, Knoblauch found himself amidst a boisterous crowd – a sight he described as utter “mayhem”. The energy and excitement surrounding the game has only intensified since his team was once down 3-0 in the series, but has now managed to force a Game 6 on their home ice come Friday night, against the Florida Panthers.
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According to Knoblauch, the city is buzzing with excitement as evidenced by the abundance of Oilers flags, people sporting Oilers apparel, and the general enthusiasm throughout town. He believes that the team holds a special place in the hearts of the community, which is evident in the way they show their support even on non-game days.
For fans like Darin Winder, the Edmonton dynasty of five championships from 1984-90 holds a special place in their hearts. The glory of that run filled the arena with blue, orange, and white banners and left a lasting impression on generations of fans.
Growing up in Camrose, which is nearby, Winder, 55, had the opportunity to visit the old Edmonton Gardens with his dad while the Oilers were part of the World Hockey Association. He also witnessed the team’s transition to the NHL. In 2006, he experienced the thrill of the Oilers’ run to the Cup final, which unfortunately ended in a seven-game defeat to Carolina. With the Oilers securing back-to-back victories, the people of Alberta are filled with renewed hope.
Winder expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s recent success, stating “It’s been a magical run.” He confidently declared that “it’s game on” and encouraged his teammates to push forward, acknowledging that they now have a real chance at victory. He believes that with only two games remaining, their goals are within reach.
Making history is on the minds of fans as the Montreal Canadiens aim to complete a comeback that has only been achieved once in league history, way back in 1942 when the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Detroit Red Wings after being down 3-0. Despite the odds being against them, fans have been displaying “BELIEVE” signs in their downtown windows since last week, showing their unwavering support for the Canadiens to win two more victories and etch their names in the history books.
Retired defenseman Shawn Belle, who hails from Edmonton and played a few NHL games for his hometown team, expressed his amazement at the way the fans have united. He said, “It’s been nothing short of extraordinary watching the way that the fans have come together. Knowing that the fans have your back that much and they want to see you win and you really just electrified a city, it almost feels like it’s a bit of a responsibility for you to show up every day and bring your best because you know that they’re bringing their best and they paid tons of money to watch you play and it brings out the best qualities in players.” Belle felt that the overwhelming support from fans has encouraged players to give their very best every day.
Connor McDavid has been playing outstandingly, putting himself in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Stuart Skinner has also been impressive in net. The Oilers’ excellent performance has brought out the best in the city, which is passionate about hockey. Following an 8-1 win that prevented a sweep, the streets were filled with people honking their car horns and playing the team’s victory song, “La Bamba.”
During a pre-series interview, McDavid was asked about his favorite aspect of living in Edmonton. He responded by stating that he loves the passion of the fans.
McDavid praised the team, saying “They understand the game.” He acknowledged the long history of successful teams and players that have come through the organization, as well as the passionate fan base.
It’s been a long time coming for the Oilers as they’ve finally made it to the finals for the first time since 2006. However, due to the pandemic, the championship series was held at Rogers Center in a closed-off environment that left both players and fans feeling unsatisfied. With nearly a million people calling this city home, it’s no surprise that the Oilers are named after the region’s petroleum industry. Last week, the team found themselves trailing 3-0, causing a stunned silence to fall over the city. But that silence has since disappeared as the Oilers fight their way back into the game.
According to a worker from a nearby cancer treatment center, the patients are captivated by the games. While the Gretzky, Messier, Fuhr, and Kurri jerseys still hold their popularity, McDavid and Draisaitl jerseys can be seen everywhere.
According to Pete Mason, a bartender at a pub near Rogers Place, the enthusiasm for hockey in the area is palpable. He noted that the jerseys and flags proudly displayed by fans on their cars are a testament to the fervor surrounding the sport. While Mason admits that keeping up with the excitement can be tiring, he still finds it enjoyable and fun.
On Friday, the Stanley Cup will be present at the game, giving the Florida Panthers their third opportunity to emerge victorious. However, they must contend with an enthusiastic and sold-out crowd eager to see the Edmonton Oilers force a Game 7, which would take place in Florida on Monday.
Connor Yakabuski, the manager of a bar located near Whyte Avenue, witnessed fireworks and flares lighting up the sky and expects an intense atmosphere for Game 6.
“He said that the city is going to be wild, and if they win, it’s going to be a madhouse.”
