The Edmonton Oilers have waited a long five months to make amends for their qualifying round disappointment to end the 2019-20 season.
Despite boasting the fifth-best winning percentage in the Western Conference -- and led by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl -- the Oilers were ousted by the Chicago Blackhawks before the actual Stanley Cup playoff tournament kicked off.
As the Oilers prepare to play host to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday to kick off the truncated NHL season, it's with extra motivation and the belief they are due to take a big step forward.