While it took me some time to recover from the heartbreaking loss to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, I finally sat down to write about my beloved Edmonton Oilers. This was my first piece for Oilersnation, and I genuinely believed that this version of the team was destined to go far and succeed. Sadly, I was wrong.

What struck me most in the first round was a simple, yet powerful observation. I coach girls’ softball, and over the past six years, I always preach one “Brentism” to my athletes: effort beats talent, if talent has no effort. I wholeheartedly believe in this, and I know my girls get tired of hearing it, but deep down, they know it’s true. A talented athlete who doesn’t put in the effort can often be outperformed by someone with less raw skill, but who works harder. I’ve........

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