As If The Postseason Wasn't Depressing Enough For Devils Fans, Adam Larsson Became A Playoff Hero Last Night

Leon Draisaitl finds Adam Larsson on a drop pass to double the Oilers lead to 2!#EDMvsANA pic.twitter.com/t2WLpxlAx1

— NHL Daily 365 (@NHLDaily365) April 27, 2017

The comeback was on until @AdamLarsson3 decided to go for a little cruise. #StanleyCup How Swede It Is #OrangeCrush pic.twitter.com/3qLaVs8W8J

— x- RussellMania (IG) (@deemer0799) April 27, 2017

Adam Larsson had stellar Gm1, with two 3rd period goals including the GW goal to put his name on this short list going back almost 30 years pic.twitter.com/e2UZtu1Blf

— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) April 27, 2017

Welp, that'll do it. You can put down your pencils and pass your scorecards to the front, because I think we all know what this means. Adam Larsson is the second coming of Paul Coffey, Taylor Hall is 'Patient Zero' of a locker room epidemic that has temporarily poisoned every team he's ever played for out of playoff contention, and - most importantly - the Edmonton Oilers won the trade. No context necessary. Connor McDavid may have had 100 points during his first full NHL season, but even he can't score one for his former teammate here. The Devils made an irreparable mistake last  summer, and - after last night - there is not a single thing that can be done by any of the parties involved to change that in the near or distant future. Trading their second most dynamic offensive player alone would have pushed the Oilers into the playoffs, but getting the most reliable player on the worst defense in hockey in return is what's currently pushing them through the playoffs. If you think otherwise then I would suggest you leave your nuance out of a clear-cut, black-and-white debate.

In all seriousness, I'm happy for Adam Larsson. From crawling out from under the heavy heel of Peter Deboer to evolving into such a versatile, reliable defender that he was deemed worthy of being moved - straight up - for an elite offensive playmaker. He deserves this success, even if it does allow baselessly salty Edmonton fans to rag on their 2nd best draft pick in the last decade while completely ignoring the impact of their best draft pick of the past decade. 

Sometimes I think I would trade my left testicle to get him back in New Jersey. Then again, sometimes I think I undervalue my left testicle, because I definitely wouldn't undue the original deal. Regardless, a wry smile - similar to that of the Swedish stalwart that prided himself on busting Kyle Palmieri's balls - instinctually came across my face when Adam Larsson potted two last night. Though it was quickly followed by shockingly disparaging expletives about the entirety of Western Canada, that says a hell of a lot about player who just had his playoff coming out party.

.@AdamLarsson3 □□

— Adam Henrique (@AdamHenrique) April 27, 2017