ANAHEIM - At the end of every NHL playoff run, the bushed, bearded and bruised Stanley Cup winners inevitably point to the adversity they overcame en route to the champagne-soaked celebration.
It made them better. Brought them closer together. Strengthened their resolve. Comebacks from early series deficits, bounce-backs from soul-crushing losses and injuries to go-to-guys figure prominently every year.
The Oilers, should they be so fortunate to win Game 7 against the Ducks here Wednesday and keep rolling, would eventually be able to point at a few watershed moments of adversity: a 7-0 loss to San Jose, those $%#@&^%$ goalie interference calls, gagging on a 3-0 lead in Game 5 in Anaheim, and the war of attrition that has taken a toll on their blue line.