Relief!!!

In the grand scheme of things, last night’s 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks doesn’t mean much of anything. We are nearing the middle of December and the Edmonton Oilers have just now won their first game of the year against a Western Conference opponent…so excuse me for not being overly excited about this group’s first victory since the ninth of November. 

With that said, Dallas Eakins’ crew needed a break and facing a Sharks side that was playing their fourth game in six nights was exactly that. Couple last night’s appearance in Edmonton being San Jose’s eighteenth road game of the season, most in the NHL, and the fact the Oilers were off since Wednesday’s overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets and it seemed to be almost too much of a good thing for the Pacific Division basement dwellers. 

Even with those two points now firmly in their back pocket, Edmonton sits fourteen points out of the final playoff spot out west and the reality of the situation has clearly set in. The Oilers 2014-15 season has been a lost cause for some time now and those two points ultimately don’t mean a damn thing. However, for at least one night, it was a distraction that was badly needed for everyone involved...ownership, management, coaches, players and fans. 

After watching what appeared to be nothing more than a harmless looking attempt on goal from David Perron bounce into the back of the Sharks net off defenceman Brenden Dillon, you could see the sense of relief come across each and every one of those players wearing an Orange and Blue jersey. With just under half a period to go and with the Oilers recent history being what it has been, this one was far from being in the bag but they found a way to bring it home and for a change…everyone left Rexall Place with a smile on their face. 

Let’s hope everyone enjoys it while it lasts and keeps that feeling firmly planted in the back of their minds because it won’t be one any of us will have the pleasure of witnessing on a regular basis over the next four months.