In a new interview, Mark Messier imparts wisdom to the Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers' current trajectory is drawing compelling parallels with the storied dynasty of the '80s, where legends were made and championships were a testament to resilience and strategic evolution.
Recently, Mark Messier, a linchpin of that venerable era, shared his thoughts, offering invaluable lessons that resonate deeply with today's team dynamics.
In the early '80s, before the Oilers' dynasty ascended to its zenith, the team faced a series of crushing defeats. It's a familiar narrative to the present-day Oilers, who have similarly tasted the bitterness of near triumphs. Messier reflects on the 1983 Stanley Cup Final, a pivotal moment that served as a harsh yet necessary lesson in the pursuit of greatness. "Unfortunately, there are certain things that you have to really understand about winning. That was a tough lesson for all of us. We lose four straight, and now we're thinking to ourselves - we can get there, now we've got to figure out a way, once we get there, how to win," Messier recounted.
"We got completely schooled in �83 by the Islanders. They took our game away. We didn't make any kind of adjustments, it was a real eye-opener. We came back the next year, more focused, realizing that we had to change," he added.
The echoes of the past are vividly reflected in the Oilers' recent playoff runs. In their latest face-off, the initial games against the Florida Panthers mirrored the historic struggles, with the Panthers aggressively dismantling the Oilers' gameplay, reminiscent of the Islanders' strategy. However, this year, the Oilers managed to recalibrate their strategy mid-series, reclaiming their style of play to secure three consecutive wins. Despite their efforts, the comeback was incomplete, highlighting the razor-thin margins defining playoff hockey.
Drawing on past lessons, the path forward for the Oilers seems to be etched with the wisdom of their predecessors. As Zack Hyman pointed out during his exit interviews, the key to postseason success might lie in avoiding early setbacks: "Don't go down 0-3." The psychological toll of a significant deficit is daunting, and starting strong could be pivotal. The Oilers have shown they possess the resilience to mount comebacks, but the wisdom lies in not placing themselves in such precarious situations from the outset.
As the Oilers regroup and refocus for the next season, the lessons from both their own experiences and those of the dynasty years offer a beacon of strategy and hope. With adjustments and learning from each playoff journey, the Oilers edge ever closer to reclaiming their legacy, potentially heralding the dawn of a new dynasty echoing the triumphs of the past.
Source: Spittin Chiclets
Messier speaks on Cup Final loss
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