Eye on Edmonton: The Oilers are in the playoffs and the city is alive

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Postmedia Edmonton photographer Ian Kucerak was at Rogers Place Wednesday night capturing the action

Author of the article:

Larry Wong, Greg Southam, Ian Kucerak  •  Edmonton Journal

Publishing date:

May 20, 2021  •  18 minutes ago  •  1 minute read  •  Join the conversation

Edmonton Oilers' Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.
Edmonton Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

There’s just something about the Edmonton Oilers being in the playoffs that brings this city to life.

Oilers jerseys can be seen everywhere, flags are flying on vehicles as they pass by and fans are gathering outside Rogers Place on game day — Edmontonians seemingly embrace playoff hockey like no other.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as hoped on the ice as the hometown Oilers opened up their best-of-seven series with the Winnipeg Jets Wednesday night with a 4-1 loss. It’s only one game, though. No need to panic.

“There are some things we can do better, but that’s how it’s going to be — it’s going to be tight hockey,” said Oilers coach Dave Tippett, following Wednesday’s loss. “We like what we’ve done all year. We have a confident group. We’ll re-rack and be ready for Game 2.”

Read the full story here.

Postmedia Edmonton photographers Larry Wong and Greg Southam snapped photos of fans prior to puck drop, and Ian Kucerak was at Rogers Place Wednesday night capturing the action.

Check out the photo gallery below!

  1. Oilers fans wave at traffic in front of Rogers Place as the Oilers get ready to play the Winnipeg Jets in the first game of the opening series of the NHL North Division on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Edmonton.

    Oilers fans wave at traffic in front of Rogers Place as the Oilers get ready to play the Winnipeg Jets in the first game of the opening series of the NHL North Division on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Edmonton. Photo by Greg Southam /Postmedia

  2. Oilers fans wave at traffic in front of Rogers Place as the Oilers get ready to play the Winnipeg Jets in the first game of the opening series of the NHL North Division on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Edmonton.

    Oilers fans wave at traffic in front of Rogers Place as the Oilers get ready to play the Winnipeg Jets in the first game of the opening series of the NHL North Division on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 in Edmonton. Photo by Greg Southam /Greg Southam

  3. Camryn Hamilton (9) cheers on her team at an Edmonton Oilers fans rally held at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets.

    Camryn Hamilton (9) cheers on her team at an Edmonton Oilers fans rally held at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia

  4. Michelle Dall'Acqua and her dog Pepper stop to view a 97 sign that someone erected just off Lansdowne Drive near 47 Avenue in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. The sign can be seen when driving east on Whitemud Drive, just west of 122 Street. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (#97) and team start their NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets on May 19, 2021.

    Michelle Dall’Acqua and her dog Pepper stop to view a 97 sign that someone erected just off Lansdowne Drive near 47 Avenue in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. The sign can be seen when driving east on Whitemud Drive, just west of 122 Street. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (#97) and team start their NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets on May 19, 2021. Photo by Larry Wong /POSTMEDIA NETWORK

  5. Boris Derpich organized an Edmonton Oilers fans rally at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets.

    Boris Derpich organized an Edmonton Oilers fans rally at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets. Photo by Larry Wong /POSTMEDIA NETWORK

  6. A pitbull named Ivy guards the Stanley Cup at an Edmonton Oilers fans rally held at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets.

    A pitbull named Ivy guards the Stanley Cup at an Edmonton Oilers fans rally held at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets. Photo by Larry Wong /POSTMEDIA NETWORK

  7. A pitbull named

    A pitbull named “Ivy” cheers on Edmonton’s favorite team at an Edmonton Oilers rally held at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets. Photo by Larry Wong /POSTMEDIA NETWORK

  8. Khaleel Suleiman (13) joined Edmonton Oilers fans who rallied at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets.

    Khaleel Suleiman (13) joined Edmonton Oilers fans who rallied at the Heritage Valley Superstore parking lot in Edmonton on Wednesday May 19, 2021. About 30 motor vehicles then paraded to Rogers Place where the Edmonton Oilers started the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets. Photo by Larry Wong /POSTMEDIA NETWORK

  9. Anthem singer Robert Clark warms up with 12 first responders in Rogers Place before the Edmonton Oilers face the Winnipeg Jets for Game 1 of their NHL North Division playoff series in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Anthem singer Robert Clark warms up with 12 first responders in Rogers Place before the Edmonton Oilers face the Winnipeg Jets for Game 1 of their NHL North Division playoff series in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  10. Anthem singer Robert Clark sings Oh Canada surrounded by first responders in Rogers Place before the Edmonton Oilers play the Winnipeg Jets for Game 1 of their NHL North Division playoff series in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Anthem singer Robert Clark sings Oh Canada surrounded by first responders in Rogers Place before the Edmonton Oilers play the Winnipeg Jets for Game 1 of their NHL North Division playoff series in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  11. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Dylan DeMelo (2) during the first period of their NHL North Division playoff series at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Dylan DeMelo (2) during the first period of their NHL North Division playoff series at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  12. Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (97) battles the Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (44) during their North Division playoff series opener at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (97) battles the Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (44) during their North Division playoff series opener at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  13. Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian (44) battles for a loose puck against Winnipeg Jets defencemen Tucker Poolman (3) in front of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during Game 1 of their first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoff series at Rogers Place.

    Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian (44) battles for a loose puck against Winnipeg Jets defencemen Tucker Poolman (3) in front of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during Game 1 of their first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoff series at Rogers Place. Photo by Perry Nelson /USA Today Sports

  14. The Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets shove and wrestle after the first period of their opening NHL North Division playoff series at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    The Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets shove and wrestle after the first period of their opening NHL North Division playoff series at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  15. Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets' Logan Stanley (64) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Logan Stanley (64) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  16. Edmonton Oilers' Ethan Bear (74) shoots past Winnipeg Jets' Josh Morrissey (44) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Ethan Bear (74) shoots past Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (44) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  17. Edmonton Oilers' Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  18. Edmonton Oilers' Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  19. Edmonton Oilers' Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Jesse Puljujarvi (13) celebrates his goal on Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) with teammates during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  20. Edmonton Oilers' Dominik Kahun (21) battles Winnipeg Jets' Adam Lowry (17) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Dominik Kahun (21) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry (17) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  21. Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets' Josh Morrissey (44) during the first period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey (44) during the first period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  22. Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) and Winnipeg Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) watch a flying puck during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) and Winnipeg Jets’ goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) watch a flying puck during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  23. Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets' Dylan DeMelo (2) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Dylan DeMelo (2) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  24. Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl (29) collides with Winnipeg Jets' Trevor Lewis (23) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl (29) collides with Winnipeg Jets’ Trevor Lewis (23) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  25. Edmonton Oilers' James Neal (18) battles Winnipeg Jets' Adam Lowry (17) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ James Neal (18) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Adam Lowry (17) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  26. Edmonton Oilers' goaltender Mike Smith (41) adjusts his helmet as the team battles the Winnipeg Jets during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender Mike Smith (41) adjusts his helmet as the team battles the Winnipeg Jets during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  27. Edmonton Oilers' goaltender Mike Smith (41) battles Winnipeg Jets' Andrew Copp (9) during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender Mike Smith (41) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Andrew Copp (9) during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  28. Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets' Derek Forbort (24) and Blake Wheeler (26) during the first period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (97) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Derek Forbort (24) and Blake Wheeler (26) during the first period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  29. Edmonton Oilers' goaltender Mike Smith (41) battles Winnipeg Jets' Mason Appleton (22) during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender Mike Smith (41) battles Winnipeg Jets’ Mason Appleton (22) during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  30. Edmonton Oilers' Darnell Nurse (25) checks Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor (81) during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Edmonton Oilers’ Darnell Nurse (25) checks Winnipeg Jets’ Kyle Connor (81) during the second period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  31. Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor (81) celebrates an empty net goal with teammates on Edmonton Oilers' goaltender Mike Smith (41) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    Winnipeg Jets’ Kyle Connor (81) celebrates an empty net goal with teammates on Edmonton Oilers’ goaltender Mike Smith (41) during the third period of NHL North Division playoff action at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

  32. The Winnipeg Jets celebrate their 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the end of a NHL North Division playoff game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

    The Winnipeg Jets celebrate their 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the end of a NHL North Division playoff game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

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