Podkolzin relishing being on other side of rabid Edmonton Oilers playoff atmosphere
Vasily Podkolzin has been on both sides of the puck when it comes to playoff hockey in Edmonton.
Just last season, the young Russian forward played the role of the villain with the Vancouver Canucks in the second-round of the playoffs. Podkolzin played two games during that series, with one being Game 6 in Edmonton. The Oilers took it to the Canucks in that game, winning 5-1.
That was where he got his first real taste of what the Oilers fans can bring to the table.
On Friday night, he got to be on the other side with that rabid fanbase cheering for him rather than against. It’s a new feeling for the former first-round pick, but he’s taking a liking to it.
“It’s good. When I came here for Game 6 with Vancouver last year, it was loud. I think the L.A. [Kings] are feeling it right now,” Podkolzin told Offside in an exclusive interview on Sunday morning.
“It helps. It’s unbelievable to see the national anthem out there, people go crazy. That’s fun.”
Oil Country singing O Canada loud and proud! 🇨🇦
📺: CBC, Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/LfNwRgDbUs
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2025
There are always debates about which Canadian NHL team has the best playoff atmosphere. Podkolzin has only experienced two of those markets with Vancouver and Edmonton. He was hesitant to compare the atmospheres too much, but he did give the edge to the Alberta capital.
“A Canadian market is special, it doesn’t really matter where,” Podkolzin said. “I’m in Edmonton right now, I’ll say it’s the best one I’ve had.”
There has been a noticeable shift in Podkolzin’s game since the postseason hit. While he has always been a physical player for the Oilers throughout the regular season, he has been taking a few more runs than usual.
That was highlighted by a few bone-crushing hits in Game 3.
“The playoffs are a little different, and it’s more physical out there,” Podkolzin explained. “I love this game, and I love this playoff atmosphere and physical games.
“There’s a history already [between the Oilers and Kings]. This is special for the NHL, and we want to win another one.”
Podkolzin’s role has shifted a few times throughout this series, but he is back on Leon Draisaitl’s wing heading into Game 4. You’d think that would mean a change in how he approaches his game, but he disagreed with that notion.
“I don’t really change anything,” Podkolzin said. “When I play with Leon, he plays with the puck a little bit more than other guys, but I didn’t really change anything.
“I try to play physical, try to create some space, some time for Leo.”
There is still plenty of time left in this series for Podkolzin to notch a goal or two, but saying that Edmonton has a better playoff atmosphere than Vancouver will surely get Oilers fans on his side.