Hot Links: Wednesday, May 19

Morning, folks!

I’m not really sure what else to say about this one, it’s time and it feels like it’s been forever. The Oilers haven’t played a meaningful game since Connor McDavid cracked 100 points (and even that was academic in terms of what it meant for the standings) almost two full weeks ago.

LFG.

Dave Tippett’s such a players coach that he has no problem going into game one with a lineup he can be roundly criticized for if they don’t win.

Inserting Slater Koekkoek into the lineup after a decent performance in a literal nothing game at the expense of Caleb Jones is about as Tippett as it gets. Leaving Tyler Ennis on the bench while a guy like Devin Shore — a genuine fraud who keeps company with the league’s absolute worst forwards in terms of the fancier stats — takes a regular shift is more of the same.

I knew I should have been more specific when I set my bar at “Don’t play Kris Russell in the playoffs.” I should have known the universe appreciates specificity. My fault.

Either way, LFG.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The Copper and Blue Podcast: Episode 11 — “Cool, you’re Jets.”

It’s playoff time baby!

Preston, Shona, and Corey break down what to expect from the Oilers in their first round series against the Winnipeg Jets. We go line-by-line and pairing-by-pairing as we give our thoughts on Edmonton’s roster and how it stacks up against Winnipeg’s.

Stick around for the second half of the episode as the crew looks at the other playoff matchups, complete with predictions and all!

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Copper & Blue Staff Playoff Predictor - Oilers vs. Jets (Copper and Blue)

Oilers / Jets Goaltending Preview: Mike Smith (Copper and Blue)

2021 Playoff Preview: How Does Edmonton Stack Up Against Jets? (Copper and Blue)

Round One Betting Preview (Copper and Blue)

Hot Links: Tuesday, May 18 (Copper and Blue)

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Jets Embrace Underdog Role Vs. Oilers: ‘We Know We Are Good Enough To Win’ (SN)

The Oilers Will Win The Stanley Cup If ______ ? (ON)

Three Keys To Victory In The Oilers-Jets Round 1 Playoff Series (SN)

How To Stop Connor McDavid — Or At Least, Delay The Inevitable (ESPN)

What Makes Hellebuyck More Impactful Than McDavid In Jets-Oilers Series (SN)

Years Of Hard Lessons Prepared Edmonton Oilers For This Moment (ES)

The Case For Each Canadian Team To Win The North Division (ON)

Why Copp Is Insulted By People Giving Jets No Chance Against Oilers (SN)

Oilers Mike Smith Not Feeling The Pressure To Outduel Connor Hellebuyck (TOR)

Kassian And Koekkoek Are In (ON)

Fuel Test: Can The McDavid-Led Oilers Go On A Deep Run? (TS)

Jets’ Ehlers, Dubois Game-Time Calls For Wednesday’s Opener Vs. Oilers (SN)

Oilers’ Veteran Goalie Mike Smith Relishes Another Playoff Chance (CBC)

Edmonton Oilers Kyle Turris Nominated For King Clancy Memorial Trophy (ON)

“It Means Nothing”: Oilers Know Jets Will Present Challenge (TOR)

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Lowetide: Jesse Puljujarvi Has Arrived For The Oilers — Again (TA)

What the Oilers need to do to beat the Jets: Does regular-season success provide a template for the playoffs? (TA)

2021 NHL playoffs preview: Oilers vs. Jets (TA)

Dom Luszczyszyn via https://theathletic.com/