Pacific Division Final: (1) Anaheim Ducks vs. (2) Edmonton Oilers

[doulos]

No, they said McDavid is the only reason the Oilers made the playoffs, and even most Oiler fans recognize that. Hence why McDavid is the front runner for the Hart and it's not even close.

Personally it seems to be a silly claim when you look at the success the team is able to have despite his lackluster play in the postseason. No one can deny his impact on the team's success overall though, I agree.

[hockeyrobot]

Personally it seems to be a silly claim when you look at the success the team is able to have despite his lackluster play in the postseason. No one can deny his impact on the team's success overall though, I agree.

But his presence counts for something doesn't it? In terms of defensive coverage I would most certainly think so.

[doulos]

But his presence counts for something doesn't it? In terms of defensive coverage I would most certainly think so.

Absolutely. 5 points in 7 games means he is contributing offensively as well for sure. It's tough to know the effect of him drawing full time coverage from Kesler is having on opening up space for a guy like Draisaitl as well. All of these things are hard to quantify.

I'm being a little tongue in cheek with my comments, and I honestly don't think Praba literally means McDavid is the only reason the Oilers made the playoffs (because that's impossible and a nonsensical statement) but somewhere in the middle is the truth. McDavid being an utter superstar, combined with a healthy roster all season, obviously covers up some of the deficiencies on the Oilers roster that would have been more obvious had they not had McDavid and had injuries like in past years. I think without McDavid the team wouldn't have made the playoffs. I think that's probably true for a number of different teams as well.

The statement 'only because of Player X' is hyperbolic and silly in any regards, and truthfully is probably being used to demonstrate his value in an 'over the top' way. As has been pointed out by Praba it applies to a player like Carey Price as well. If you removed Talbot and/or Drai this season I have a hard time believing the Oilers make the playoffs either, but no one is saying that they won only because of them. It's just a strange way to frame things, but that's fine.

The Oilers will have this asterix applied by people for as long as McDavid is on the team. "Yes, but McDavid." Since we have no way of rerunning seasons with partial McDavid, no McDavid etc, with all other factors being exactly the same, there is no way to ever know what is possible or not. Oilers fans are going to have to learn to just shrug off the comments of "Yes, but McDavid" because it will never end. If watching Oiler hockey in April, May, and June means people will use hyperbolic statements to try and prove some point then I am totally okay with that. Bring it on!

[lucafen4]

Talbot ... don't forget Talbot & his 70+ starts & 42W.

[MZac]

McDavid looks hurt to me...

I agree. He's not moving like he normally does. I think I caught him favouring his right side a couple times last night. Sure he's been smothered more than he's used to at the highest possible level. That said he's always a defensive target and has always been able to adjust (I know, the playoffs are different), but he doesn't look right. His feet aren't there right now and I think there's more too it. Let's hope we don't get any confirmation for a few more rounds.

[Rylant]

Remember when people said that a 2nd, a 3rd and a 6th was too much for the Oilers to give up for Talbot?

Rylant

[The Comish]

Ding, ding. Two big posts and now a 2-0 lead. Talbot was clearly in a groove and the Oilers saving grace. Lucky to be up 2-0, but I'll take it. Sometimes you need to be more lucky than good. Also, I never truly really appreciated just how great a player Ryan Getzlaf is until after watching these first two games of this series. Just an incredibly talented big body who plays with passion and an edge.

[doulos]

So glad McDavid was able to play so well in goal tonight.

[hockeyrobot]

Im feeling like this is the only series where I think I had the wrong pick. I had Wash, NYR and Nash and I think they all should win....but Edmonton is just in a groove right now and are outplaying Anaheim.

Not saying Anaheim can't back and win two in Edmonton....but I don't like their chances.

[everfeb]

Looks like the Oil are for real. Drats, have 4 Ducks left in our Playoff pool. No $$$ this year

[doulos]

I didn't think Edmonton outplayed Anaheim at all. Was absolute domination by the Ducks but Talbot stopped nearly everything. But I'll take the win for sure!

[hockeyrobot]

I didn't think Edmonton outplayed Anaheim at all. Was absolute domination by the Ducks but Talbot stopped nearly everything. But I'll take the win for sure!

You mean McDavid stopped nearly everything....

[MZac]

Stole that one no doubt Anaheim was the better team most of the game and especially the back half.

There is something about this oiler team that is starting to feel a bit magical.

[Axeman33]

I cant say I expected them to come out of Anaheim up 2-0, but I'll take it none the less.

This TEAM is changing a few minds on how it's built, which is nice to see.

[Shift Disturber]

A neutral assessment - I hate both the Oilers and the Ducks...

I saw a classic playoff road win last night. The Oilers were thoroughly outplayed and Talbot won the game for them. If the Oilers make it to the finals then Talbot has to be seriously considered for the Smythe. What I don't see is a well-rounded team. I see a team that is taking advantage of a relatively weak, wide-open Western conference, riding superb goaltending and getting good matchups (such as a tired, old Sharks team that had played a lot of hockey over the past year).