Tangibles and intangibles. Two words that are used to describe so many different aspects of the National Hockey League.

From players to executives to mascots (Gritty, for example, clearly has both), these descriptors are used to define value and, ultimately, the likelihood of success. For the Edmonton Oilers to find that success in the first round of the 2026 playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks, they will absolutely need both. Tangibles are often data based, with little wiggle room for debate. Intangibles, however, can sometimes be pulled out of thin air and, at times, feel pretty unserious.

As the Oilers head to California in their first-round matchup for what seems like the millionth year in a row, here are four serious and four very unserious things they need to do to find success in round one:

Serious: Show up on time

The Oilers have been known to be slow starters in almost every aspect. Poor starts to the season, slow starts to playoff series, and goals against on first shots. Some of it can be attributed to teams knowing the quality of their opponent in the Oilers and being motivated to start fast. But it often seems more like a mental block that this team has with knowing that Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl sit beside them on the bench. They wait to see if their two superstars are going that night (they usually are) and then act accordingly. On the off-chance that those two don’t show up on time, there are not many guys who step up and drag everyone else into the fight.

Over the last few weeks of the season, the Oilers showed up on time and validated just how powerful they are when they do. The Oilers had only allowed four first-period goals against in the seven games that made up their mini-heater to end the year and kept that trend going to finish out the season. Aside from two stumbles against Utah and Vegas, the trend of starting strong and yielding a good result held up.

Unserious: Change the names of the Ducks players

Imagine the young guys on the Ducks team no longer with the incredible hockey names that destined them for a life in the sport, having flowing hair, and speaking in their own hockey-specific language.........

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