Jake Walman’s journey with the Edmonton Oilers this postseason has been one of self-discovery and redemption
From a trade-deadline acquisition to a playoff standout, Walman has cemented himself as a crucial contributor in Edmonton’s championship push.
His words before Game 3—full of excitement, gratitude, and conviction—now echo louder as his play speaks for itself.
Whether or not the Oilers lift the Stanley Cup this year, Jake Walman has already proven that he belongs, not just on the roster, but in the heart of Edmonton’s playoff quest.
For Jake Walman, this is exactly where he wants to be. The road ahead is difficult, with each round presenting unique challenges, but Walman’s mindset is unwavering.
He believes in this team. He believes in his role. And perhaps most importantly, he believes that this is where he belongs. That kind of belief, coupled with talent and opportunity, could be the difference between coming close and going all the way.
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Table of Contents
Jake Walman: Chaos on Ice
The Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers took a dramatic turn in Monday’s Game 3, not just in the scoreline but in the emotional temperature on the ice.1
With the Panthers blowing out the Oilers 6-1 to take a 2-1 series lead, the night quickly devolved into one of the most chaotic and penalty-ridden games of the postseason.
At the center of a particularly bizarre moment was Oilers defenseman Jake Walman, who found himself in hot water—literally and figuratively—after squirting water at the opposing bench.
Let’s unpack the incident, its context, and what it means moving forward in this heated Stanley Cup Final.
— Jake Walman (@walman_9) July 2, 2024
A Game Boiling Over
From the puck drop, tensions were evident in Game 3. The Florida Panthers, known for their grinding, physical style of play, brought a level of aggression that clearly got under the Oilers’ skin.
While the Panthers executed their strategy with poise and control, Edmonton struggled to channel its emotions productively.
The Oilers were penalized a staggering 21 times, including a flurry of roughing, slashing, and misconduct infractions.
Among those sent to the penalty box were high-profile players like Evander Kane and Corey Perry—two veterans who are no strangers to playoff pressure and physical confrontations.
This breakdown in discipline cost Edmonton dearly. Not only did it halt any offensive momentum, but it also allowed the Panthers to dominate puck possession and control the pace of the game.
Jake Walman’s Water Bottle Incident
In the second period, things went from intense to surreal. Cameras caught Jake Walman, sitting on the Oilers bench, squirting water in the direction of the Panthers’ bench.2
It was a moment that went viral almost immediately, with fans and analysts debating whether it was intentional.
Walman confirmed after the game that it was deliberate:
“I obviously did that for a reason,” Walman said. “I won’t go into the details. It’s just gamesmanship, I guess. I’ve just got to realize there’s cameras everywhere and they see that stuff.”
His refusal to explain the motive only added to the mystery and the spectacle. Was it retaliation? A prank? A mind game?
A.J. Greer’s Icy Response
Florida forward A.J. Greer, who had his own run-in with Walman earlier in the game, offered a calm but sarcastic take on the incident when asked by The Athletic’s Michael Russo:
“We have plenty of water in our bench,” Greer said. “We got great trainers, great training staff. We got Gatorade, we got water, Body Armor. We got some nice stuff over there.”
The comment was laced with sarcasm, but also hinted at the confidence and control that Florida maintained throughout the night. Greer’s attitude suggested that the Panthers saw Walman’s act as petty frustration, not a psychological win.
The Glove Toss: A Possible Catalyst
One theory for Walman’s reaction stems from a heated moment earlier in the game, when Greer grabbed Walman’s glove and tossed it into the Panthers’ bench during a scrum.
That kind of action, though not new in playoff hockey, is known to irritate players and can lead to further conflict.
If Walman’s water spray was a response to the glove toss, it didn’t earn him any justice—just a $5,000 fine from the NHL for unsportsmanlike conduct, the maximum allowed under the rules.
While not a suspension, the fine served as a warning from the league that antics like these won’t be tolerated, especially in the high-stakes context of a Stanley Cup Final.
Penalty Problems Plague Edmonton
- While Walman’s act stole the headlines, the deeper issue for Edmonton was their complete lack of discipline.
- The Oilers appeared rattled by the Panthers’ relentless checking and trash talk. Kane, Perry, and even star players like Leon Draisaitl were visibly frustrated.
- The Panthers, by contrast, stayed composed. They played physically but rarely crossed the line. Every time Edmonton retaliated or lost focus, Florida capitalized—either with a scoring chance or by drawing another penalty.
- This disparity in emotional control has been a storyline throughout the series, and Game 3 brought it to the forefront.
- The final score—6-1 in favor of Florida—was a brutal reminder of how quickly things can unravel when a team loses composure.
- The Oilers, usually known for their offensive firepower and speed, looked disjointed. Their defense broke down repeatedly, and goalie Stuart Skinner received little support.
- Florida’s balanced scoring attack, combined with their defensive toughness, made them look like the more championship-ready team.
- The Panthers smelled blood and didn’t ease up, even when the score was out of reach.
- With the series now at 2-1 in favor of Florida, the pressure is squarely on the Oilers heading into Game 4.
- They’ll have to do some soul-searching and adjust their mindset if they want to even the series and avoid a 3-1 hole.
- Discipline will be the key. Edmonton can’t afford to spend large chunks of the game in the penalty box. They’ll need cleaner play, sharper decision-making, and more focused leadership from their veteran players.
Jake Walman: Leadership and Accountability
Players like Connor McDavid and Darnell Nurse must take control—not just in terms of on-ice performance, but also by setting an emotional tone.3
The team can’t afford to be baited into nonsense. McDavid, in particular, needs to lead by example. This is a legacy-defining series for him, and allowing outside antics to overshadow his performance would be a costly mistake.
The coaching staff, too, bears responsibility. Edmonton needs to find a way to channel their frustration into aggressive but legal play—something Florida has mastered.
The Role of Gamesmanship in the Playoffs
Walman’s water bottle moment is just the latest in a long line of playoff antics that test the boundaries of sportsmanship.
From well-timed chirps to gloves in faces and stick taps in sensitive areas, gamesmanship is part of the NHL postseason culture.
But the key distinction lies in its effectiveness. In this case, Walman’s move didn’t throw the Panthers off—it highlighted his own team’s unraveling. True gamesmanship flusters the opponent; this incident only hurt Edmonton’s reputation.
Time to Reset
The Oilers are a talented team, but Game 3 was a low point that showcased all their flaws under pressure. Jake Walman’s water spray may be remembered as a quirky moment, but it also encapsulated the broader issue: a team out of sync, both mentally and tactically.
If Edmonton wants to climb back into this series, they need to refocus, regain discipline, and put the distractions behind them.
Florida has shown they can play fast, smart, and tough. Now it’s time for the Oilers to prove they can do the same—without losing their cool.
Game 4 will be more than just a battle for momentum—it could decide whether Edmonton’s Cup dreams stay alive or evaporate under pressure.
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Jake Walman’s Playoff Journey with the Edmonton Oilers
A New Chapter Begins in Edmonton
When Jake Walman was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in March, the move represented more than just a change of jersey—it was a pivotal turn in his NHL career.
Transitioning from the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup-contending team gave Walman the opportunity to showcase his abilities on hockey’s biggest stage: the playoffs.
While joining a new team mid-season can be challenging, Walman’s comments before Game 3 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs reveal just how naturally he has adapted.
“Being here though, it’s been great,” Walman told NHL.com. “I feel like this is where I’m meant to be with this group of guys.” That sentiment captures the depth of his connection to the Oilers—a team known for its high-flying offense, passionate fanbase, and desperate hunger for a championship.
Embracing the Pressure of the Playoffs
For many players, the NHL playoffs are a crucible that forges legacies. The tempo rises, the checks get harder, and the margin for error shrinks. Yet Jake Walman has not just survived; he has thrived.
Despite admitting that the journey has “been painful at times,” Walman emphasized that these are precisely the moments players live for: “These are the games you want to be in and the reason you play hockey.”
Walman’s attitude reflects a deep appreciation for the opportunity and the magnitude of playoff hockey. The stakes are enormous, and every decision, every shot, every blocked puck can tip the scales. Yet he has welcomed the intensity.
But his impact can’t be measured by points alone. Walman brings a blend of speed, poise, and positional awareness that allows him to contribute in all three zones.
Whether it’s breaking up a 2-on-1 rush, quarterbacking the second power-play unit, or making a simple, effective breakout pass, Walman has become a key piece of Edmonton’s defensive structure.
Jake Walman: Battle-Tested and Playoff-Proven
Prior to his time with Edmonton, Walman had limited playoff exposure. Now, he’s gained invaluable experience on a team that is expected to contend for the Cup.
Each round, each game, and each shift have tested his resilience. The mental and physical toll of the playoffs can be unforgiving, but Walman has remained composed and committed.
This year’s playoff run will likely serve as a defining moment in his career, not just for the stats he’s accumulated, but for the growth he’s shown in high-pressure situations. The confidence he displays now is rooted in what he’s endured on the ice.
A Team on a Mission—and Walman’s Role in It
The Edmonton Oilers are in pursuit of something bigger than just individual accolades. After years of playoff heartbreak and unmet expectations, the franchise is chasing its first Stanley Cup since 1990.
Every piece on the roster must function at full capacity, and Walman’s contribution has been indispensable.
He may not be the headline-grabber, but in the playoffs, it’s often the unheralded players who tip the balance.
A timely shot block, a crucial defensive read, or a quick outlet pass—Walman delivers in those quiet but game-changing moments. He embodies the kind of depth and determination championship teams are built on.
Learning from the Elite
One of the hidden benefits of joining a team like the Oilers is the opportunity to learn from some of the league’s brightest stars. Playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl brings a daily reminder of what it takes to be great.
Walman has used this environment to sharpen his game and expand his understanding of winning hockey.
In the Oilers’ structured yet fast-paced system, Walman has developed into a more dynamic player. He’s become more confident joining the rush, making aggressive reads, and trusting his instincts—a sign of a defenseman who is evolving.
The Edmonton Effect: A Boost of Energy
Hockey in Edmonton is more than a sport; it’s a way of life. The city breathes hockey, especially when the playoffs roll around. Rogers Place is electric, and the energy is contagious.
For Walman, this has been a major source of motivation. Feeling like he’s “meant to be here” is not just about the team; it’s also about the city and its passionate fans.
The Oilers faithful have embraced Walman’s gritty play and team-first mentality. He may have been a new face in March, but by June, he’s become a fan favorite and a key piece of the team’s identity.
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