Yardbarker
x
Warren Foegele hits 20-goal mark as Oilers have last dance in the desert
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There were no jerseys on the ice, and no outraged fans in the stands.

Instead, there were 4,600 fans crowding inside Mullett Arena Tuesday night saying goodbye to their Arizona Coyotes, as they beat the Oilers 5-2. Sean Durzi will go down as the last to score for the franchise, sealing the deal with an empty-net goal.

For the Oilers, a lacklustre effort was expected. Darnell Nurse, Cody Ceci and Evander Kane all didn’t dress, instead offering an opportunity for the likes of Philip Broberg, Troy Stecher and Dylan Holloway to get in the mix, or stay in it.

But the one notable storyline out of Edmonton from the game was Warren Foegele, who scored eight minutes into the final frame to secure the first 20-goal season of his career.

Beyond the city of Edmonton, the Dallas Stars secured the Western Conference title with a 2-1 shootout loss, setting up the Canucks for a first-round matchup with the Nashville Predators. The Oilers will face one of the Vegas Golden Knights or LA Kings, depending on how tonight’s games shake out.

What they’re saying

Foegele on the last game at the Mullett Arena:

“I think maybe in a few days we can probably reflect on this being the last time playing in this arena and this city. It’s a bit unfortunate. I know we enjoy coming out here, but it is what it is. For us, disappointed we didn’t get the win. I thought picks played a helluva game. I just thought we didn’t want it as much as them and it kind of showed tonight.”

Foegele on the Coyotes being highly motivated for the win:

“As professionals, we’re supposed to show up and work hard and do all the right things. It just wasn’t there tonight. Obviously, we’re focused on better things in the sense that we’re gearing up for the playoffs, and we got a back-to-back. We don’t want any injuries and stuff like that. It’s one of those games you just kind of burn the tape and just try to play the right way tomorrow.”

Foegele on scoring 20 goals:

“It’s a little weird talking about it considering we just lost, but the guys are unbelievable. Even just here after the game, we lost, a couple guys congratulating me. The team is more important, but just to hear that goes a long way. It’s been a lot of fun playing here and obviously couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches who push me every day. But also my family, and my friends back home, my support team that has always helped me get through every day. We’re all ready to focus on the number one prize, and that’s the stanley cup.”

Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch on the game:

“I thought we were pretty good in the first period. Unfortunate play on the first goal against off the referee, set up a breakaway. I thought we responded well after that goal against. I think the turning points were not being able to score on the power play and then we were chasing it from there.”

Knoblauch on the disparity of the two teams:

“It’s tough. You always talk about getting up for the game, and getting ready for an emotional one, ‘they’re going to come out hard, let’s go get it.’ but we’re coming off a big win at home, and we’re also looking forward to the playoffs. I think the guys hearts were in it, I thought they executed okay. I don’t think there was poor plays with the puck, throwing pucks up out blind and not working hard, it just wasn’t a total engagement. I think we played okay, maybe we win some of those games like that, but tonight wasn’t that night.”

Knoblauch on Philip Broberg’s game:

“I thought he played really well. He moved the puck well, a few times he skated the puck out, which is great that he has the confidence to do that. And then defensively, with his long reach and strong skating, he broke up a lot of plays. We were very impressed. You know, he hasn’t played in the nhl for quite some time, but I thought it was a very good game.”

Knoblauch on Foegele hitting 20 goals, and what he brings:

“A lot of tenacity and work ethic. For him to get 20 goals is quite an accomplishment, and obviously the team was very happy for him that he hit that milestone. Just a guy that works very hard. Tonight, he scored off the rush, and just so good down low in the offensive zone, taking the puck to the net. It was nice to see him get rewarded with that goal.”

This article first appeared on Oilersnation and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.