WATCH: Crowd erupts in cheers for Oilers legend Mark Messier during intense Game 4 against the Panthers
The Edmonton crowd erupted in raucous cheers when Oilers legend Mark Messier was shown on the jumbotron during Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
As soon as Messier's face popped up on the big screen, the crowd at Rogers Place went wild, clapping and shouting for one of the most iconic players in Oilers history.
Former player turned analyst P.K. Subban was seen energetically hailing his hands up and down toward Messier while the crowd continued its ovation. Watch the video here:
Messier claimed five Stanley Cup with the Oilers throughout the 1980s alongside players like Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri and Glenn Anderson. He also led the New York Rangers to a championship win in 1994.
Oilers fans react to crowd cheering for legend Mark Messier
On social media, Oilers fans expressed their love and appreciation for the Hall of Famer Mark Messier. One fan was full of awe for the legend:
"Mess is a legend. By far my favourite leader in hockey. When he walks into a room it’s all business unless it’s a barley sandwich."
Another joked:
"The guy won 5 cups with the oilers, a Conn Smythe, is from Edmonton, and played the best years of his career there; but don’t tell that to a Ranger fan."
Here are some more fan reactions:
"That's why I watch the sportnet broadcast. I love Mess but ABC is biased." one fan wrote on X.
"My favorite Oiler all time." another fan wrote.
"Should probably refrain from the blasphemy and quit referring to Jesus as a hockey player." a user wrote.
"U gonna acknowledge that u were wrong about the fogelle hit in game 1? Because u were super wrong. Being wrong is ok. Just own it." another user wrote.
The reaction highlighted Messier's enduring popularity and place as a hockey icon in the city.
The Oilers went on to beat the Panthers 8-1 in Game 4 to stay alive in the series. The lopsided win cuts Florida's lead in the series to 3-1 as the scene shifts back to the Sunshine State for Game 5.