Oilers fans showing optimism, enthusiasm ahead of Game 2
With the Edmonton Oilers heading into their second home game of the Stanley Cup final, fans from across North America are elated with the team's performance and the energy of the fan base in the city.
Gaudan Roy and Janice Walsh are two of those fans who flew to Edmonton for the Oilers. They came together from Quebec to watch the Oilers' first two home games in person.
"We were at the game. I thought it was electrifying. Everybody's emotions were high … I really like being here for the games. The whole city is just boiling with emotion," Roy said.
Roy and Walsh said Canada is standing behind the Oilers in their quest for the Cup.
"You can feel that people are behind the Oilers, and we want the Cup in Canada this year," said Roy.
"I agree," said Walsh. "I think everybody here feels the same way. Whether you are a Habs fan or a Canucks fan. You're here to see Canada win the Cup."
Oilers superfan Duncan Byquist said he is happy to see tourists and people from outside of Edmonton coming into the city to enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate the Oilers.
"The coolest thing is hearing all the people that are here from out of town," Byquist said.
"They're loving it and flying in from all over the place … that's what's really cool."
After a nail-biting overtime win in Game 1, fans are revelling in how this rematch is a far cry from the Oilers' early performance in last year's finals.
"It's a nice contrast because we were behind 0-3 last year," said
"So it was a whole different thing where [fans] were almost reserved like it was over. This year, there's more excitement. We're in a better place."
WATCH | Draisaitl scores to win Game 1 in overtime
Draisaitl's OT winner lifts Oilers over Panthers in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
2 days ago
Duration 1:45
Leon Draisaitl scores twice, including the game-winning goal in overtime, to lead Edmonton to a 4-3 win over Florida in Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Final rematch.
Kobe Grant is a serious Oilers supporter who said he has flown all the way from Arizona for all the playoff games in Edmonton this year.
"I've been to every home playoff game here. It's the best fan base in hockey. It's electric. We deserve this win. I love this fame. I love this team," Grant said.
Oilers supporter David Lemieux said he is happy the Oilers are getting another shot to beat the Panthers in the finals.
"I'm kind of glad we're playing Florida again because we will show them this year that we will beat them. I'm really optimistic that we are going to have a good year."
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