BLOG: Mounting excitement

EDMONTON, AB - Playoff beards aren't the only thing growing at Phase 3 Training Camp.

So, too, is the excitement for Edmonton's upcoming Stanley Cup pursuit.

The pace is rising steadily with each skate and now that the National Hockey League Qualifying Round is coming into focus, players are letting their anticipation be known.

Kailer Yamamoto lacks any NHL post-season experience but has found himself picking the brains of his Oilers teammates lately.

"The guys who have played in the NHL (playoffs) before tell me how the regular season is one thing but playoffs are a whole different animal," the 5-foot-8 winger said following Thursday's skate at downtown Community Arena.

"One thing I'm looking forward to is the tempo. That and getting into my first playoffs."

Defenceman Matt Benning was along for the ride in 2016-17 when Edmonton entered the playoffs for the first time since '05-06. Ten players from the Oilers '16-17 roster are currently with the club and Benning believes that bodes well heading into the best-of-five series against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"In 2017, it was my first year and we had some young guys that were playing well. Then we had a bunch of older, experienced guys later in their careers that could bring a lot of experience to the table for a young team," the rearguard said.

"Now, the core of our group has played a good amount of time in the NHL and knows how to play. Although we don't have a ton of playoff experience, we do know how to play in key situations. Guys are excited for this opportunity and we've worked hard all year."

There's no way of knowing what to expect when the games begin, given that NHL action halted in March. Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett - who's lived and breathed the game for over 40 years - guessed what it could look like.

"I think there could be a little bit of early sloppiness in games but I also think there will be a great emphasis put on detail," Tippett said. "We feel comfortable with our preparation. We're going to try to get up and going as hard as we can and as close to playoff-style as we can."

Regardless of what rust they may need to shake off, the energy in the Oilers room continues mounting. Benning is taking the opportunity to soak it all up, even if he has to leave his newborn baby Miles for a short period.

"It's such a unique time," Benning said.

"To do it with a team like this, I think it's special and everybody will remember it."