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"They know how to win now" - Oilers legend believes Stanley Cup loss was major turning point in breaking 34 year-long drought
Former Edmonton Oilers legend Craig MacTavish believes the team's recent Stanley Cup loss could be key in ending their long championship drought. MacTavish, a four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Oilers, shared his thoughts in an interview with NHL.com
In 2006, he coached the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final, where they narrowly lost to the Carolina Hurricanes. MacTavish sees similarities between that series and the Oilers’ recent loss to the Florida Panthers in 2024. Both teams fell behind early in their series but made strong comebacks before losing. He feels these close losses can help the Oils understand what it takes to win.
MacTavish praised the current team:
"My sense is they know how to win now. They are mature men now and they have great character on that team. I know we are in a business where we criticize and you take the positive things for granted, but Ken Holland getting Zach Hyman and Mattias Ekholm, those guys are just gold in any locker room, absolute gold."
"They have great character in Darnell [Nurse], ‘Nuge’ [Ryan Nugent-Hopkins], and Connor [McDavid] and Leon [Draisaitl] are on another planet. They’re hungry and they’re experienced and they’ve got character. I think they like each other and they’re going to be formidable, that’s what I believe."
MacTavish also reflected on the difference between McDavid and former teammate Wayne Gretzky. He is hopeful that with the team’s current talent and mindset, Edmonton may finally end their 34-year championship drought.
Edmonton Oilers' star Leon Draisaitl has led the team's offense in recent wins
Leon Draisaitl has been a key player for Edmonton since Connor McDavid went on Injured Reserve. Without McDavid, Draisaitl has shown he can lead the team offensively. The Oilers won two games and lost one to New Jersey while McDavid was out.
In the game against the Nashville Predators, Draisaitl scored three points in a 5–1 win. He scored the first goal 20 seconds into the game against the Calgary Flames and assisted on two other goals in a 4–2 victory. His performance was crucial in both wins.
Draisaitl is tied for second in the league with nine goals and 16 points this season. He signed an eight-year, $112 million contract extension with the Oilers. Together, Draisaitl and McDavid create a strong offensive duo for the Oils. They are both important for the team's success.
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