With my beloved Edmonton Oilers season coming to a close Wednesday, one would think that I’m upset that they were unable to advance in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Anaheim Ducks.

It’s actually the opposite.

Sure,it would’ve been nice to see what they could’ve done against the Nashville Predators, but overall,this team had a damn good season and I think they’re going to be a lot better in seasons to come.

Guys,this was Edmonton’s first playoff appearance in 11 seasons, so that alone right there was an achievement in itself. Breaking a playoff drought and clinching an X next to the city name in the standings is a wonderful sight to see if you’ve been a playoff-starved hockey fan. It means that the bad times you’ve gone through with your squad are over, at least for this season. They had a 33-point improvement in the standings from last season and they were one win away from winning their first division title in 30 seasons. We also got to see how great this Connor McDavid kid really is and to see him win the Art Ross trophy and a potential Hart trophy. We also got to see great goaltending from Cam Talbot,who worked his ass off this year to help get this team to where they were and to see guys like Drake Caggiula, Anton Slepyshev,and Matt Benning come through the ranks and show what the future is going to look like,and it looks good!

I’m not going to dwell on a series that lost on the deciding game at all,guys. What I take away from this season is that a young team with a veteran mix made their presence felt throughout the year and proved that they’re among the NHL’s best.

I also have fond memories of this postseason. From the early struggles with the Sharks to David Desharnias’ overtime goal in the fourth game of the quarterfinals and the enthusiastic call on the radio side from Jack Michaels, the Oilers’ play-by-play voice to winning that series in the Shark Tank, and even the last series with the Oilers taking the first two games,only to get back into the series in the sixth game and looking as hungry as ever to the renditions of O Canada by the crowd at Rogers Place and even their kick-ass cover of The Star Spangled Banner when the microphone wasn’t working to the sold-out watch parties at Rogers Place to the fans that were well-traveled and came to San Jose and Anaheim in their orange and blue.

I’m beyond proud of Oilers fans who came to represent. I only wish I could’ve been among you.

I ask one thing from the Oilers’ faithful, keep your heads up. This postseason is going to build on many more great ones to come. There’s no reason to be upset about how the series went. Sure, a lot went against our boys that we wish was otherwise, but in the end we had our opportunities and didn’t come through and it just wasn’t our time quite yet.

I hope you guys will continue along with me with your enthusiasm, love,and dedication to these guys. I don’t hope you do that,I know you will. I know it because there’s so much to look forward to in the seasons to come.

Congratulations to the Edmonton Oilers on a great season, it’s one I’m going to remember fondly,and I can’t wait for next season.

Go Oilers Go!