Home is where the heart is for Edmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique.
Playing playoff games on home turf brings a unique feeling.
Adam Henrique’s journey this season has seen a shift from trailing the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division standings to surpassing them in playoff seeding.
Acquired by the Edmonton Oilers before the NHL trade deadline from the Anaheim Ducks, Henrique, along with Sam Carrick, found renewed hope in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup upon moving north to Edmonton. However, they now find themselves back in southern California for the last two games of their Western Conference first-round playoff series.
“I feel fortunate to play here and be able to visit my family,” said Henrique. “Being home and surrounded by loved ones has been a personal morale boost.”
During his brief tenure with the Oilers, Henrique has made an impact, tallying six goals and three assists in 22 regular-season games before the playoffs. With a day off between Game 3 and Game 4, Henrique had the opportunity to spend quality time with his family, providing both mental and physical rejuvenation.
“It’s a chance for everyone to reset mentally and focus on recovery,” explained Henrique. “Especially with the intensity of the playoffs and the frequency of games, these days are crucial for everyone.”
Despite the brief hiatus, Henrique emphasizes that the visit home was primarily a business trip. The Oilers are determined to maintain their home-ice advantage, earned through their efforts during the regular season.
Following a convincing 6-1 victory in Game 3, the Oilers secured their home-ice advantage, regardless of the outcome of Game 4. However, Henrique and the team remain focused, understanding the importance of every game in the playoffs.
“Our mindset is to play with urgency from the start,” said Henrique. “We need to set the tone early and dictate the pace of the game. The Kings won’t back down easily, but we’re prepared for the challenge.”
In addition to their offensive prowess, the Oilers are mindful of supporting their goaltender, Stuart Skinner, by minimizing defensive lapses and providing consistent offensive support throughout the game.
“Starting strong and maintaining a complete effort for the full 60 minutes is crucial for us,” Henrique concluded.
