GENE'S BLOG: What Happens in Vegas

EDMONTON, AB - What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but I hope that's not the case for the Edmonton Oilers.
Not after their performance in the Nevada city on Saturday night. It was another example of what the Oilers can do when they put their minds, hearts and bodies into a game. With their baccarat against the wall trailing 2-1 after two periods, Edmonton stepped it up. They could have sailed through the third hoping to win but knowing it wasn't expected by anyone outside their own locker room. Instead, they were all in. Equalizing in the final frame and winning it in overtime. Incredible night and way to end their schedule before the CBA-mandated All-Star break.

The Oilers couldn't have asked for more support from their fans. Many I ran into on Friday night said they were going to Las Vegas on Saturday night. Almost offended I even considered the possibility they wouldn't be going on their own back-to-back games. Some drove and some flew but they found a way to be there. Six thousand or more supporters watched a pre-game wedding (as tweeted on the Oilers Twitter account), a 21st birthday serenade of Captain Connor, at least a few stags and adding insult to injury, the Oilers won the game and an Edmontonian won the 50/50. What are the odds of that happening?
It was a night that also saw Edmonton put together a two-game winning streak at the end of their road trip and beginning of their bye week. While they rest and relax others will be making up games and adding points to their positioning in the Western Conference. It's impossible to predict how far back the Oilers will be when they return to the ice January 20 vs. Vancouver. They understand the challenge and the degree of difficulty that comes with it. I am not prepared to bet against them making the playoffs mainly because that would mean betting against Connor McDavid.

I'm just not prepared to do that against the reigning owner of the Art Ross and Hart Trophy and the man (I can call him that now that he's 21) who was also voted as the winner of the Ted Lindsay Award. The fact McDavid is on the exact same pace for points as he was last season is a testament to him fighting through illness. He was sick, really sick and still found a way to contribute. I believe he'll surpass his 100-point total of last season. He'll catch Nikita Kucherov and win the scoring title again. If (when) he does that he'll drag his teammates along with him to a place they call the playoffs.
It's not like he won't have any help. Darnell Nurse has been an offensive revelation with a four-goal, five-game road trip. Cam Talbot played liked he had a chip on his shoulder after being pulled in Arizona. Having said that what a performance by super sub Al Montoya. Leon Draisaitl looks like he's rounding into a form closely resembling last season. They also have an 8-2 record within the Pacific Division.
I'm not suggesting it will be easy but Edmonton has to play the cards they were dealt. They're down points but have enough games to make it up. That's why I hope what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas.
That is until Edmonton returns to Sin City on February 15.