The day Edmonton Oilers fans have been waiting for is finally here. The team is about to make its first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 11 years.
The Oilers finally clinched their playoff spot with a 2-1 win over the L.A. Kings on March 28.
It’s been a long time coming for this city, and many of the players. But this team is ready.
READ MORE: Playoff fever hits Edmonton as Oilers prepare to kick off post-season for 1st time in 11 years
The team has played lights out to end the season, winning 12 of its final 14. Because of that, the coaching staff is trying not to make too many changes to ensure these players stay in the same rhythm.
But there’s no doubt Wednesday night will be a different; it’s a ramped-up atmosphere and the nerves will be high.
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“I know for myself as well that the first game of the playoffs…you still get those butterflies like you did your first time around,” said forward Milan Lucic, who won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
“But that’s a good thing. You’ve gotta try to use it to your advantage.”
The Oilers and Sharks face off in Game 1 at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Tickets – 18,347 of them – were sold out. There will also be 250 concourse tickets available first-come, first-serve two hours before the game.
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On Wednesday, both teams took to the ice and Rogers Place.
The new barn was decked out in orange pom poms ready for fans to cheer on their Oilers.
Scroll down to view a photo gallery from Rogers Place Wednesday morning.
Watch below: Players Milan Lucic, Connor McDavid, Cam Talbot, Patrick Maroon and head coach Todd McLellan prepare for Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks.
— With files from Kirby Bourne, 630 CHED