The Edmonton Oilers were one win from an historic comeback in the Stanley Cup Final last spring. While favored by many to take that last step in 2025, the best laid plans have not gone according to plan as injuries, spotty defensive play and offensive shortcomings have hurt the club. TV Play-by-play voice of the Oilers Jack Michaels joins Vic and Neil to break it down.

Also, the playoff races have taken several turns during the week, "The Big Rig" announces his plans to retire and some history in the PWHL during Women's History Month.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:49] - In "Three Things You Need to Pay Attention to," the Washington Capitals balance is a primary reason they are the only club to have clinched a playoff berth.

[12:16] - Jack Michaels joins the show with an update on the status of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

[16:12] - Aside from the two superstars, Michaels addresses where the offense needs to come from in order to be the formidable team they'll need to be come playoff time.

[21:40] - The question of defensive play, a signature of the improvement a season ago, has raised its head often this season...

[25:00] - ...and that leads into inconsistent goaltending. Jack has a very interesting response as to whether the Skinner/Pickard tandem is enough.

[30:10] - Michaels share the differences in the Oilers between current GM Stan Bowman and his predecessor, Ken Holland.

[36:50] - Vic believes all of the Western powers have improved. Jack says otherwise.

[48:33] - Before leaving, Jack shares a pointant story of being in a hallway in the arena not long after the Oilers had dropped Game 7 of the Final.

[53:05] - The Playoff Races

[1:01:42] - The NHL and NHLPA set to begin talks on a new CBA next month, almost a year-and-a-half before the current one expires.

[1:04:12] - Player news.

[1:08:01] - The Human Side of the Story looks at Jack Michaels journey from a small Western PA town to the Edmonton, Alberta

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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