The 2005-06 Edmonton Oilers season remains etched in the memories of hockey fans, particularly in Edmonton, for its improbable and captivating Stanley Cup run. Entering the season with modest expectations, the Oilers, led by coach Craig MacTavish, defied the odds and embarked on a journey that took them to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since their last Cup win in 1990.
The Oilers finished the regular season with a 41-28-13 record, securing the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. While they barely made it into the playoffs, their resilience and determination would soon become their defining characteristics. At the beginning of the season, they were given +2500 (25 to 1) odds to win the Stanley Cup.
The team's success was largely attributed to key acquisitions made prior to the season. The trade that brought Chris Pronger, a Norris and Hart Trophy winner, to Edmonton proved to be a game-changer. Pronger's impact was immediate, providing stellar defensive play and contributing significantly to the offense. The Oilers also added Michael Peca, a former two-time Selke Trophy winner, further strengthening their roster.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Oilers faced a daunting task against the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings, who were coming off an exceptional regular season. Overcoming the odds, Edmonton stunned the hockey world by defeating Detroit in six games, marking their first playoff series win since 1998. Ales Hemsky's late game-winning goal in Game 6 sent the Edmonton crowd into a frenzy and propelled the Oilers forward.
Their next challenge came in the form of the San Jose Sharks, a team that had finished the season with only four more points than Edmonton. After losing the first two games on the road, the Oilers rallied back, with Shawn Horcoff scoring a triple-overtime goal in Game 3, ultimately winning the series in six games.
With momentum on their side, the Oilers faced the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the Western Conference Final. By this point, the Oilers were a force to be reckoned with, dispatching Anaheim in five games and securing their place in the Stanley Cup Finals. They became the first No. 8 seed to ever reach the Stanley Cup Final.
In the Finals, the Oilers faced the Carolina Hurricanes, who had finished second in the Eastern Conference. The series was filled with drama and excitement. In Game 1, the Hurricanes overcame a three-goal deficit to win 5-4, tying the biggest comeback in Stanley Cup Finals history. Goaltender Dwayne Roloson, who had been outstanding throughout the playoffs, suffered a knee injury in Game 1, forcing Jussi Markkanen into action. The Hurricanes dominated game 2 winning 5-0.
Facing a 3-1 series deficit, the Oilers mounted a remarkable comeback, winning Game 5 in overtime and shutting out the Hurricanes in Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7. However, their Cinderella story ultimately came to an end as they lost Game 7 by a score of 3-1.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the 2006 Oilers' Stanley Cup run remains a cherished memory for Edmonton fans. The team's improbable journey, filled with upsets and memorable moments, captured the imagination of the city and the hockey world. Key players like Chris Pronger, Dwayne Roloson, Fernando Pisani, and Ales Hemsky became heroes, and the "Blue Mile" on Whyte Avenue transformed into a massive street party throughout the playoffs. The 2006 Stanley Cup Final run reminded everyone of the passion and excitement that hockey can bring, and it served as a testament to the Oilers' resilience and never-say-die attitude.
