We're #2! We're #2!

I was pleased that the Oilers didn't make a big production out of their second place banner. It was already raised before the game and was simply unveiled before the players came out. It didn't even make the broadcast of the game. The hockey gods, impressed by this modest display, awarded the Oilers the win. Contrast this to Calgary's second place banner raising, which saw them march out the Campbell Bowl and raise it in front of the players with fireworks and all that shit. The hockey gods were annoyed enough to give the Stars a 3-2 victory that night. Since 1999, the Oilers' 45 minute pregame ceremonies for player retirements and the Heritage Classic have angered the hockey gods so much that they would punish the Oilers with a losing streak following these displays.