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Stanley Cup Playoffs 2017: Oilers fans sing O Canada (Video)

By Dave Stevenson

CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers players and fans during the singing of the national anthem prior to the start during of a game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Chicago Blackhawks on February 18, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by the score of 3-1. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 18: A general view of the Chicago Blackhawks and Edmonton Oilers players and fans during the singing of the national anthem prior to the start during of a game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Chicago Blackhawks on February 18, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by the score of 3-1. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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After 11 years of postseason-less hockey, Edmonton Oilers fans sang O Canada proudly before Game 1 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

The Edmonton Oilers rebuild is officially over. It took them 11 years to get back into the postseason after losing in the 2005-06 Stanley Cup Finals. Naturally, their fans are ecstatic to be playing meaningful hockey in April again. One of the greatest traditions in hockey for Canadians is to sing O Canada. Edmonton fans gave a Grammy-worthy rendition of Canada’s national anthem before Game 1 against the San Jose Sharks.

You can see some of the players are a bit choked up over it. Milan Lucic looks like he’s about to cry. It was a beautiful and heart-felt rendition. Even though Edmonton lost to the Sharks 3-2 in overtime to spoil Game 1, their fans should be very proud. Hopefully this tradition of singing O Canada doesn’t die out any time soon.

After taking a two goal lead in the first period, Edmonton allowed the Sharks to score three unanswered goals to win in overtime. Joel Ward scored in the second period, Paul Martin tied the game in the third and Melker Karlsson won it in OT. Edmonton must regroup and focus to tie the series in Game 2.

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Meanwhile, the Sharks have to be happy with getting a win in Game 1. They won despite not having center Joe Thornton, who is out with a knee injury. He is expected to be a game time decision for Game 2 on Friday, April 14. Marc-Edouard Vlasic picked up two assists and played great defensively to lead the Sharks to a comeback win.

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