Is 2022 Finally the Year for McDavid, Draisaitl, and the Oilers?

In a seemingly unthinkable turn of events, the Edmonton Oilers are heading to the Western Conference Final.

The talent on this team is unquestioned, as captain Connor McDavid and alternate captain Leon Draisaitl have put up astronomical point totals in recent years. For their efforts, they have combined to win three of the last five NHL MVP awards.

Edmonton, however, was never able to build around those two in a way that allowed the Oilers to thrive in the regular season or find success in the postseason if they actually qualified for it. While I was one of this club’s biggest critics, I have no choice but to change my tune now.

McDavid and Draisaitl have forced me to reconsider what they and their team are capable of after eliminating the Calgary Flames in five games in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Could this finally be the year for the Oilers?

Draisaitl led the way in the series by recording 17 points in the five-game matchup, while it was McDavid who slammed the door shut on the Flames with the series-clinching goal in overtime on Thursday night.

So far in the playoffs, both players have 26 points in 12 games to nearly double all other NHL skaters.

It’s very rare that offensive star power can uproot one of the league’s best defensive teams. Typically, defense thrives in the playoffs and can carry a team to the Stanley Cup Final or even to a championship.

With that said, offensive star power does not often show up in the form of 26 points in 12 games. The way that these two have taken over playoff games and series is unlike anything that I have seen in my lifetime, and it feels like they will not be stopped.

It’s also worth noting that while they have long had to carry the Oilers on their own, players like Evander Kane (12 goals to lead all NHL skaters) and Mike Smith (2.70 goals against average and .927 save percentage) have stepped up in a way that secondary players have not in the past.

I’m not ready to jump completely on the Edmonton train, but now that this team has some momentum, 2022 could finally be the year that the Oilers make a run at the Cup.