2024 playoffs
first round
April 21, 2024
Hayden took a deep breath in closing her eyes. It was the first game of the first round of the playoffs.
Hayden rolled her shoulders stepping onto her home ice and she glanced up at the banner in the rafters smiling to herself seeing her Dad’s name.
Hayden always feels like she plays even better hockey in the playoffs and the score sheet always proves that.
Oilers won game one 7-4 against the Kings and Hayden already has two goals and two assists in the playoffs.
Hayden’s face softened immediately as she walked in to the family seeing Luke holding Lennon and wearing a jacket with Blake on the back.
“Two of my favorite people.” Hayden said softly as she walked over pulling Luke into a hug and kissing her goddaughter on the cheek. Luke leaned his cheek on top of her head.
Hayden smiled seeing the family room filled and everyone wearing playoffs jackets, all the jackets having patching with her name and number designed by Lauren.
Luke came to Edmonton right after he cleaned out his locker and Luke would be with Hayden until he left for Worlds. Jim, Ellen and Jack are currently with Quinn but Jack would be heading to Edmonton once the Canucks head to Nashville.
April 24, 2024
Hayden leaned against her car as Jack slowly wheeled his very large suitcase with one hand as his arm is still in a sling.
“I didn’t think you were getting here.” Hayden immediately teased him making Jack fondly roll his eyes, Jack had lost his passport when he was packing for Vancouver.
Hayden pulled him into a gently hug being mindful of his shoulder and Jack just melted into her, he hasn’t see her for a few weeks since he surgery.
“Let’s get home.” Hayden said softly as they pulled away. Luke was with Archie back at the house.
Hayden drove them back to her house and smiled seeing Luke and Jack hugging for a while, she needed to Jack’s room and she unpacked his bag for him letting Jack and Luke have some time together.
Hayden set the playoff jacket she got for Jack on his bed before heading downstairs to spend some time with her brothers.
April 30, 2024
Luke just gave Hayden a sad look as she took his suitcase out of the car. He was heading to Michigan for a bit before heading out to where Worlds are and would head to Worlds with Jim.
“I know buddy.” Hayden knew his look and she just pulled him into a hug.
Luke squeezed her tightly hiding his face in her shoulder.
“You’re gonna have so much fun.” Hayden said softly, “Matt, Connor, Will, Trevor and Cole will all be there and Jimmy will be with you.” She reminded him, they were all people Luke likes being around.
Luke sighed nodding.
“You’ll do great.” Hayden reassured him softly pressing a soft kiss to his head.
Luke kissed her cheek and they shared a smile before he waved softly and rolled his bags towards the airport.
May 3, 2024
Hayden held Jack’s hand tightly watching the clock tick down until buzzing and the Canucks won the game against the Predators they were heading to the next round.
Hayden and Jack both cheered for Quinn and smiled seeing a happy Quinn on the ice.
Hayden’s smile slowly fell remembering who the Canucks will be playing next round, The Oilers as the Oilers just clinched the first round two days ago.
Hayden would be playing against Quinn in the playoffs.
“I play against Quinn.” Hayden muttered, this was one of the worse things that could happen with having siblings on opposite teams.
Jack slowly grimaced relaxing how painful this is going to be because at the end of the days one of them is gonna win and the other is gonna be devastated.
second round
May 7, 2024
Hayden let out a nervous breath as she heard the knock on her hotel room in Vancouver, she had just gotten into Vancouver a few minutes ago.
Hayden and Quinn decided to talk before the first game and after they finished would meet up with Ellen and Jack. Today would be the last day Hayden and Quinn spend any time together until after the playoffs ended.
“Hey.” Hayden said softly as she opened the door biting her lip nervously.
Quinn’s face softened at her nerves and he stepped inside her hotel room pulling his little sister into a hug.
Hayden let out a sigh relaxing into his hold closing her eyes.
“I hate this.” Hayden quietly admitted, she of course wanted to do good in the playoffs but she wanted Quinn to do well in the playoffs but within two weeks one of them would be knocked out of the playoffs.
“I know.” Quinn soothingly it said in return, he hates it too. He wants to win but at the same time that would kick his little sister out of the playoffs.
Quinn slowly pulled back and he cupped her face looking at her seriously, “No matter what happens when this round is over, you are still my sister and nothing can ever change that.”
Hayden softly nodded, “Promise?” She looked at him hopefully.
Quinn had to blink because all he could see was little Hayden looking up at him just like that the day they met and she asked him to come play too.
“I promise.” Quinn said firmly back and pressed a soft kiss to his sister’s forehead.
Hayden closed her eyes and hoped he was right.
May 8, 2024
Hayden’s knees bounced in the locker room before game one against Vancouver.
Ryan nudged her with his knee making her glance over and he gave her a reassuring nod and she slowly blew out breath.
Hayden closed her eyes taking a few deep breaths before she stood up and headed onto the ice getting ready for the game to start.
Hayden and Quinn shared one nod before focusing completely on their own games.
Hayden was out on her second shift and got a beautiful pass from Leon and she quickly hit the puck right into the net getting the first goal of game.
Leon crashed into her patting her head as Ryan crashed into her from the other side.
It was looking good for the Oilers at the start of the third period they were up 4-2. Hayden already had two goals.
But within five minutes getting changed. The Canucks got three goals in five minutes at the end of the third period.
Vancouver won Game one.
May 18, 2024
Hayden was talking her stick with her headphones on in her own zone getting ready for the game.
It was game six tonight.
Vancouver won game one, three and five. Edmonton won game two and four. Meaning if the Canucks win tonight they advance to the next round but if the Oilers win they go to game seven.
It was definitely hard playing against Quinn especially because the couldn’t hold back and think of each other like siblings on the ice right now. Hayden had to ignore the heavy hits her team was laying on Quinn and Quinn had to ignore the dirty plays his team kept doing to Hayden.
Hayden had a good feeling about this game tonight, they were home which always made her feel better.
She brushed her hand across the photo of her Dad on the wall before she headed out to ice for the game and her other held the necklace under her jersey for her Mom. She closed her eyes feeling as close to her parents as she could.
Hayden kissed her hand and gently touched the photo before tucking the necklace back under her jersey and heading onto the ice.
Hayden scored first only minutes into the game. Canucks managed to tie it up before the end of the first period.
Hayden was out with Connor and Hopkins and she got the puck from Connor and flipped it into the net getting the Oilers their second goal.
Zach got the next tool and the Oilers were leading 3-1 heading into the third.
Hayden got a breakaway in the beginning of the third period and hit the puck in between the goalies legs.
Hayden cheered and did a small celly as she just got a hat trick.
Oilers won game six 5-1.
May 20, 2024
“Hey Mack!” Hayden grinned as she walked out of the locker room before game seven in Vancouver.
Macklin beamed at her especially when she walked over and offered a hug and he eagerly hugged her back, “Hi Hayden!”
“Hi Aiden.” Hayden smiled shaking Aiden’s hand.
Aiden gave her a smile back softly shaking her hand.
Hayden talked with Macklin and Aiden for a few minutes before she needed to head back inside her locker room and start getting ready for the game but it was really nice seeing Macklin again.
Hayden braided her hair in french braid closing her eyes as she mentally got ready for game seven, they win tonight they head to the third round against the Dallas Stars.
Hayden headed out on the ice and lined up for the national anthems closing her eyes letting her head drop.
First period no one scored.
One minute into the second period the Oilers scored.
Hayden assisted on the second goal five minutes later.
There was five minutes left of the second period and the Oilers got a power play.
Connor got the puck from Leon in the front of the net and flicked it to the right passing to Hayden, Hayden hit a one timer right into the top right corner.
Oilers were leading 3-0 heading into the third.
Ten minutes into the third Hayden was in the corner of the boards battling a Canuck for a puck when another Canuck’s player came behind her and smashed her into the boards, specifically smashed her elbow the worse into the boards and her head smacked against the glass.
Hayden grunted and was immediately dropping to the floor, her right hand gingerly holding her left arm as she felt her nose bleeding.
She was by the board by her own net and Ryan and Nurse were both immediately having any Canucks players away as Skinner stood in front of her protective as Leon quickly kneeled down next to her and Connor got the trainers.
Quinn stood frozen on the bench, his sister was down on the ice because of a bad hit and he couldn’t do anything.
Jack gripped onto Ellen’s hand tightly as they both watched worriedly from the suite.
Hayden made an uncomfortable sound as the trainers touched her arm mostly her elbow and Connor helped Hayden keep the towel on her nose to stop her bleeding nose.
Hayden knew something was wrong on her elbow, it wasn’t really bad but it wasn’t good. Luckily it was not her shooting arm.
Hayden got up taking the towel from Connor and kept her head down skating right down the tunnel.
She headed right into the trainers room.
Hayden got looked over and was worried the whole time hearing the Canuck score two goals.
The Oilers managed to hold their lead and win the game, They were going to round three.
Hayden let out a slightly sad sigh knowing Quinn had just gotten knocked out.
Hayden headed back into the locker room after everyone was already there and immediately Ryan tossed a hat on her head.
“How bad Rook?” Connor asked her quietly but immediately as she sat down next to him and slowly took off her equipment.
“Could be a lot worse.” Hayden softly admitted feeling a bit better as she got some pain meds, “I can play.” She gave him stubborn look.
Connor shook his head softly and patted her head.
Hayden took a shower having a hard time showing with one hand but she managed to do it. She tossed a pair of shorts and a stairs on as they’re flying back to tonight.
The trainer came in with her brace and helped her out on a brace on her elbow to help it.
Hayden walked out of the locker room seeing Ellen and Jack both waiting looking nervous.
“Haydes.” Jack trialed off seeing her brace.
“I’m okay. A sprained elbow but i’ll be alright.” Hayden reassured both of them as Ellen pulled her into a hug first.
“You scared us.” Jack gave her a look before he hugged her next too. Hayden rarely goes down on the ice and has barely ever been brought down the tunnel like that.
“Are you okay?” Quinn spoke up as he slowly walked out of the locker room and to them. He looked devastated and his eyes were a bit red but he still looked at Hayden worried.
Hayden froze not expecting him to talk to her yet, “I will be.”
Quinn softly nodded and pulled her in a little hug before stepping back, he gave her a nod and walked away.
Ellen hugged Jack and Hayden once more before heading off with Quinn as Jack is heading back to Edmonton with Hayden.
It was bittersweet winning round two against her brother.
third round
May 23, 2024
Hayden and Jack were slowly packing up her suitcase as Jack is still in a sling and Hayden has a brace on her sprained elbow and Hayden is heading out to Dallas in a few hours.
Hayden knew Ellen would be here soon as she stayed with Quinn for a bit in Vancouver but Hayden was unsure when she would be seeing Quinn next.
Luke and Jim are still currently at Worlds and Luke actually had a game today. Hayden had to reassure Luke a lot they she was okay after he facetimed her after her injury and was freaking out, she made sure Matt checked on him.
Hayden got her suitcase up slowly after they closed and carried it down the stairs with one hand as Jack carried her backpack down for her and just as they reached the bottom of the stairs the door opened and Hayden looked up seeing Ellen.
Hayden froze seeing who walked in behind Ellen, "Q?" Hayden's voice wavered.
Quinn smiled at his sister and she quickly walked right to him hugging him, "Hi Haydes." Quinn could have went to Michigan after his season ended but he still wanted to support Hayden.
"You here?" Hayden looked up at Quinn with tears in her eyes, she's been so worried that the playoffs might have messed up their relationship and she didn't know when she would be seeing him again.
Quinn's face softened, "Of course i am."Quinn reassured her softly making her smile watery and hide her face in his chest hugging him.
May 25, 2024
Hayden sat in her stall in Dallas for game two, Oilers had won game one 3-2.
Hayden was having a little hard time playing with her elbow being sprained but nothing she couldn’t play through.
Hayden was at her first two games in Dallas with Jack, Ellen and Quinn still in Edmonton. Luke had just gotten out at Worlds and would be coming to Edmonton with Jim in a few days.
Hayden was skating in the second period of the game right near the boards and saw a stars player in front of her and went to the right closer to the boards. She’s really good at dodging hits but when she is cornered by three players and no where she can go, she can only dodge so much.
Hayden couldn’t move away as she had one player in front of her and one behind her, someone skated right to her on her left side and cross checked her extremely harshly on her ribs, there was a sickening crack and Hayden let out a chocked sound immediately crumbling to the ice.
Her team was immediately getting the stars players away from her.
Hayden has never felt so much pain before and felt her breath wheeze as her eyes were squeezed tightly with tears starting to roll down her cheeks and her jaw clenched so tightly her teeth were grinding.
Connor quickly kneeled down in front of her as the rest of the Oilers on the ice all started fighting the stars players for that extremely dirty play.
Connor froze seeing how much pain she is, he’s never seen her look like they, he grabbed her free hand letting her squeeze his hand so tightly, “Where is it?” He asked her.
Zach was getting the trainers on the ice immediately.
Hayden just made a small whimper shaking her head, she couldn’t even open her mouth form how much pain she was in.
It was an agonizing amount of pain and Hayden didn’t even want to roll over.
The trainers shared a very worried look seeing where her pain is from and how pain she was in.
“Can you get up?” One of the trainers asked her after many moments down on the ice.
Hayden has now been down on the ice for over three minutes worrying everyone at the game and watching the game.
Hayden grunted trying to move and slowly shook her head.
“Want help or a stretcher?” The trainer asked knowing her injury is gonna be hard to sit up with.
“Help.” Hayden decided.
Ryan was immediately on the ice the second he was allowed and skated right to her holding her hand.
Connor, Leon and Ryan H all slowly lifted her up as Ryan squeezed her hand and the trainers made sure she was lifted correctly.
Hayden was completely pale shaking as she was lifted up, it made the pain even worse, she bit on her lip to keep in the painful sounds as she was picked up.
Hayden let out a unsteady breath as she was on her two feet again, she kept blinking from her much pain she was in.
Hayden was slowly guided to the bench and the boys helped her onto the bench and she went down the tunnels with the trainers.
Hayden broke two of her left ribs that game.
Matt was completely frozen as he watched the game, he didn’t even realize the way Luke was gripping his hands completely shaking as they watched Hayden stay down on the ice for five minutes and needing help getting up.
Jim was sitting next to Luke and had covered him mouth watching the girl he sees as daughter go down on the ice.
Will was sitting next to Connor and they leaned into each other. Cole was sitting next to Trevor and Trevor was holding onto Cole as they all watched the game in Prague.
“What if she-“ Luke started speaking his breathing completely uneven as he watched his big sister get hit and fall to the ground not getting back up for a while, he could tell she was in pain and he has never seen her in that much pain before and he’s thousands of miles away form her.
Matt snapped out of his shock at Luke’s words and he squeezed Luke’s hand, “She will be okay, go get your bag we will head to the airport.” Matt shakily told Luke.
Luke shakily nodded and Jim helped Luke stand up, Jim and Matt shared a nod before Jim guided Luke to the rooms to get their bags.
Matt let out a shakily breath running his hands in his hair and glanced over seeing Connor and Will’s scared faces, “She will be okay.” He softly reassured the two boys who Hayden has basically adopted, Matt gently pulled them both into a hug rubbing their backs.
Matt, Luke and Jim were talking the first flight out to Edmonton.
May 26, 2024
It was a really long flight back to Edmonton for Hayden and she used Ryan as a pillow the entire flight, she was extremely uncomfortable and in pins the entire flight, she couldn’t find a way to sit without any pain.
Hayden was really slow to walk down the plane stairs with Connor helping her.
Connor drove Hayden to her house and Ellen, Jack and Quinn were all waiting outside.
Jack got to her first and Hayden gave him a weak smile grabbing his hand gently, Jack lost so much tension seeing her in person even if she obviously isn’t okay.
“Oh darling.” Ellen said softly cupping her face and she could cry tears of relief. Hayden closed her eyes leaning into Ellen’s soft touch.
Quinn helped Connor get Hayden’s bags inside before Quinn walked over to Hayden kissing her head softly.
Connor left soon after.
Ellen had the boys help Hayden to the guest bedroom on the first floor that is barley used and helped set Hayden up in bed with a lot of pillows and Ellen grabbed more of Hayden’s medication for her.
Jack laid down softly next to Hayden frowning at the painful look on Hayden’s face.
Hayden slowly fell asleep finally, at least for an hour.
Matt, Jim and Luke all rushed to Hayden’s house and walked inside as Ellen walked down the hallway and saw the three all looking worried and stressed.
“She broke two of her ribs but is okay and she’s is sleeping in the guest room.” Ellen calmly told the three as she leaned into her husband’s side, Jim relaxing a bit because of her.
They all walked into the guest room seeing Hayden slowly waking up and Quinn and Jack both laying with her.
Quinn and Jack got up seeing them and they both hugged Luke.
Luke barely even realized they were hugging him just starring at her. Hayden’s eyes fluttered open and saw Luke standing here, she softly patted the spot next to her on her good side.
Luke softly sat down and looked at her with tears in his eyes, Hayden let her lean his head on her shoulder and she hugged him with her good arm. Luke’s shoulders shook with emotions, he’s been so scared since he saw her go down in game seven and then she went down again yesterday and it was seven worse.
Hayden softly kissed his curls rubbing Luke’s back as Jim walked over and gently kissed her cheek, Jim squeezed her hand softly and she smiled emotionally.
Hayden made eye contact with a worried Matt.
Luke sniffled and slowly lifted his head and Hayden gently wiped his tears, “I’m okay bud.” She softly reassured him, she’s injured but she is okay.
Luke slowly nodded letting out a few shaky breaths.
Ellen noticed Matt’s look and she slowly guided Jim, Jack and Quinn out of the room.
Luke glanced up as Matt walked over and he got up, “I’ll be right back.” Luke said softly kissing her cheek before walking out.
“You didn’t have to come.” Hayden told her best friend holding out her hand a tiny bit for him to take. Matt took her hand and softly sat on the bed next to her.
“Of course i did.” Matt had to be here. He sat on the flight thinking the entire time worried about Hayden and he knew he couldn’t just wait any longer and not tell her what he feels for her.
Matt just looked at her for a while, Hayden has been his best friend for years and the girl he has been in love with since he met her. For years he was content to just be her friend and slowly over the years he became more flirty with her but he couldn’t wait anymore, even if Hayden doesn’t feel the same he needs her to know.
Hayden made a confused sound as Matt cupped her face and leaned closer to her. Her brows furrowed as he leaned closer to her looking at her before he pressed his lips to her.
Hayden froze in complete shock even if she melted a bit into the kiss. She has never had a kiss that didn’t make her uncomfortable until right now even if she was extremely confused.
Matt felt like one of his dreams came true u till he realized she wanted kissing him back.
Matt sighed against her lips and pulled back slightly seeing the confused look on her face, “I’m sorry.” Matt quickly apologized as he didn’t even ask if he could kiss her and she didn’t kiss him back, he didn’t know she didn’t kiss back before because she was confused.
“What?” Hayden sputtered out confused as the kiss and now Matt was quickly pulling back and standing up backing away. Her head was still a bit foggy from her pain meds.
“I should let you rest.” Matt quickly rushed out and flashed a remorseful at her, “I’m sorry Hayden.” He rushed out of the room.
“Sorry for what?” Hayden mumbled to herself confused why it hurt more watching Matt walk out than her ribs breaking yesterday.
Jack walked in a few moments later having saw Matt walk out and he saw the hurt look on Hayden’s face and he quickly walked over letting Hayden use him as pillow and softly rubbed her arm.
Hayden was just so confused.
May 27, 2024
Hayden had a hard game in game three against Dallas. She was in a lot of pain because of ribs and her elbow as well and her head just was not in the right place after yesterday with Matt.
Oilers lost game three 3-5.
Matt had stayed in Hayden’s home as the Hughes all went to her game and he saw her game and how off she was and knew a lot of it was because of him.
He hoped he hasn’t messed up his friendship with her and he didn’t make her uncomfortable because of the kiss.
Matt booked a flight and closed up his bags once the game was over and when he heard all of them get home and knew Hayden was laying back in the guest room he brought his bags down.
Matt slowly opened the door making Hayden quickly look at him, “I’m heading home tonight.” Matt said before she could say anything and her jaw closed quickly.
“You’re leaving?” Hayden asked softly her tone full of hurt.
“I’m sorry Hayden. I hope the playoffs go well.” Matt couldn’t even look at her and he turned around walking out.
Hayden frowned deeply watching him leave again. He didn’t kiss her forehead like he always does.
Jack narrowed his eyes at Matt waking through the front door and leaving, Jack shook his head.
Matt was right about him distracting her because she did play better the next game and Oilers won game four but it still hurt her seeing him just leave like that.
June 2, 2024
Hayden’s eyes filled with tears as the buzzer went off, she was going to the Stanley Cup. She did it.
Hayden laughed emotionally as all of her teammates gently hugged her, being carefully of her injuries.
The lays time the Edmonton Oilers went to the Stanley Cup Finals, Her Dad was on the team and now the Oilers are back at the Stanley Cup again and with a Blake again.
stanley cup
June 4, 2024
It was Hayden’s twenty third birthday but also the sixth anniversary of her parent’s death.
Hayden still does not like to celebrate her birthdays at all so she is just spending the day with her family and Ellen is gonna make dinner.
Jack grabbed Hayden’s hand when he walked into the kitchen seeing her in the kitchen watching Ellen do something and pulled her very carefully outside to the couch by the pool in the sun.
Jack knew they both needed a Hayden/Jack talk especially Hayden before the Stanley Cup started.
“Where do you want to start?” Jack asked her softly knowing she needs to talk.
“Matt kissed me.” Hayden blurted out fiddling with Jack’s good hand with her good hand.
Jack hummed softly having an idea he did and was waiting for her to tell him, “Is that a bad thing?”
“I don’t know.” Hayden softly admitted, “I’ve never thought of him that way or really anyone that way.” Hayden confessed, she’s kissed a few people and slept with someone but she never was interested and just stopped trying, She has never thought about thinking about Matt in any way other than platonic. He’s always just been her Matt to Hayden.
“That’s okay.” Jack soothingly told her, “There’s no rush to figuring out your feelings especially with the amount of emotions you have had the last couple of years.” Hayden has been through a lot of emotions since her parents died.
Jack had a feeling if Madison and Harrison were still alive, Hayden would have noticed her feelings for Matt a lot sooner probably even before their draft.
“I think what i feel for him is different than anyone else.” Hayden slowly admitted, she hasn’t slept much the last few days since Matt left and all she could think about is all of their last interactions and feelings she misread or missed.
“Yeah?” Jack hummed encouraging.
“I’m just confused.” Hayden said softly biting at her lip.
Jack slowly nodded, “Okay. Did you like the kiss?”
Hayden looked up at Jack and slowly nodded. She felt comfortable when Matt kissed her.
Jack smiled a bit, “Wanna kiss him again?” He said teasingly making her breathe out a laugh a very small laugh and winced as she did and she shook her head she couldn’t shove him as they are both hurt.
“Hayden i’ve known you forever and i’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you look at Matt.” Jack told her softly, “And Matt has always looked at you the same way.
“What is this ruins are friendship?” Hayden looked nervous.
“What if it doesn’t?” Jack said simply back, “Hayden most people already think you and Matt are dating.”
Her brows furrowed thinking over the way she feels at Matt smiling at her, the amount of times she has cuddled and slept next to Matt, the way Matt makes things feel easier just by a hug, how much closer she is with him then any of her other friends, going to visit just Matt alone for many days, how she always misses him almost as much as her brothers.
Jack watches the realization watch over Hayden’s face and she mutters a small, “Oh.”
Jack hummed softly as she looked back up at him, “I like Matt.” Hayden slowly admitted for the first time ever.
“Yes you do.” Jack softly agreed giving her a proud smile and gave her hand a soft squeeze.
“Okay what’s next?” Jack asked her knowing how their talks work.
Hayden let out breath, “I knocked out Quinn.” She said still looking guilty.
Jack slowly nodded, “You did.” He understood why she felt guilty for that.
“I know he doesn’t blame me but..” Hayden trailed off because she still hurt Quinn by her team winning.
Jack gave her a serious look, “It is not your fault that’s the Canucks were eliminated.” He said sternly.
“Q also does not blame you and he would be upset to know you feel guilty over this still.” Jack gave her a look.
Hayden nodded knowing this but she couldn’t help but feel guilty about knocking out her brother.
“Quinn’s over the playoffs already, you have to got to let it got too.” Jack told her making Hayden sigh but nod.
“Alright next?” Jack asked.
“I opened a new letter today.” Hayden told Jack. She’s opened a few letters from her parent’s over the years since she found the letters mostly birthday one but today she opened her first stanley cup letter.
Jack nodded understand, Hayden always gets a bit emotional when she opened letters, “Was it what you needed to hear?” Jack knew his Aunt and Uncle well enough to know there is a letter for her first stanley cup.
Hayden slowly nodded, it’s always what she needs to hear but she misses them even more.
“I just want them here.” Hayden admitted, So many of milestones she will never get to have her parents at.
“Me too.” Jack agreed, it makes him so sad to see Hayden not have her parents at her things, he knows she has his parents but it still is different.
Hayden let out a sad sigh and just rested her head on his shoulder, “I’m gonna need surgery.” Hayden said softly, she found out yesterday.
Jack paused he didn’t know this, “For your ribs?”
“Yeah they aren’t healing correctly. If my elbow gets worse i’ll need surgery for that too.” Hayden told Jack first, “The team found good surgeons in San Diego.” Hayden wouldn’t be able to travel for a little bit after her surgery.
“Then San Diego is where we go when this over.” Jack just easily agreed.
Hayden sighed softly as Jack kissed the top of her head, she felt a lot better, a lot lighter and ready mentally for the last round of playoffs.
June 8, 2024
Hayden buttoned up her suit one handed after Ellen helped her get dressed and she looked in the mirror, she was wearing a gray suit that was her Dad’s and had a pin with a H that was her Mom’s with her Oiler converse.
It was the first game of the stanley cup.
Hayden was hugged by Ellen first and Ellen cupped her face giving her a reassuring look before Jim hugged her next kissing her cheek.
Quinn softly hugged her next leaning up and kissing the side of her head.
Jack and Hayden shared a look and a nod before hugging, Hayden hugging one armed this time.
Luke gave her a sweet smile before hugging her gently.
Hayden smiled softly at her family before she left the hotel room and slowly headed down to the bus.
Hayden slowly sat down on the bus looking out the window, it was a bit disappointing to be so injured in the playoffs but she wasn’t sitting out.
Hayden did a very small warm up all with the trainers as she is having hard time doing anything with her broken ribs.
Hayden got her ribs tapped and her extra padding there, her elbow was tapped and wrapped in a tight sleeve before her elbow pad went over.
Hayden walked on to the ice for her first ever playoff game. Hayden closed her eyes at the national anthem and waited for the game to officially start.
The game didn’t go how they wanted. The Panthers scored a goal in each period and the Oilers did not score once.
Panthers won game one.
June 14, 2024
Ellen found Hayden sitting outside looking out at her backyard with a cup of coffee.
Ellen knew Hayden was having a hard time and just dejected with the Oilers losing all three games.
“Alright say it.” Ellen said knowingly as she sat down next to her daughter.
“We’re down three.” Hayden said dejected.
“You are.” Ellen nodded.
“No one comes back from that, only two teams have and it was over seventy years ago.” Hayden scoffed talking bluntly.
“So? It only happened twice.” Ellen raised her eyebrow at Hayden, “That’s doesn’t mean you can’t do it.”
Hayden just shook her head making Ellen grab her good hand and make Hayden look at her.
“Who was the first woman drafted?” Ellen asked Hayden.
Hayden fondly rolled her eyes, “Me.”
“And that didn’t stop you from going out there and keep playing till you were drafted.” Ellen softly reminded her.
Ellen cupped her face, “You can do it but you won’t if you already think that you lost.”
Hayden let out a deep breath and softly nodded.
June 15, 2024
Hayden took a deep breath as she waited for the puck to drop in game four and remembered Ellen’s words.
Hayden ignored any pain she was feeling and within three minutes stole the puck and got a clear breakaway and tipped the puck right into the net.
Hayden cheered loudly as she gently crashed into her teammates.
Four minutes later Connor was heading right to the net and dropped the puck back for Hayden and she flicked it into the net.
Panthers scored one goal.
Leon had the puck a few minutes later and passed right across the goal and Hayden smacked the puck in and getting her hat trick in ten minutes.
Hayden cheered so loud as the ice started raining with hats and her name was being cheered, Hayden beamed and she knew it would be a moment she would remember forever.
Second period Hayden assisted on Connor’s goal and Nurse’s goal too.
Oilers were leading 6-1 heading into the third period.
Hayden was out on the ice and Ryan got a breakaway, she skated right next to him and he passed right at the lays second and she scored the goal.
Ryan and Hayden shared a beaming smile as they gently crashed into each other, Hayden was ignoring her small wheezes because of her ribs.
Hayden was circling the top of the net and saw Ryan opened and passed across to him and Ryan hit a slap shot getting a goal. Ryan pointed at his best friend making her laugh as they hugged.
Oilers won game four 8-1 and were heading to a game five.
June 21, 2024
Oilers won game five and were now back in Edmonton for game six.
Hayden just realized how many points she had in this post season and she was really close to her Dad’s best record in the post season.
Hayden didn’t glance up at the suites when she stepped onto the ice like she normally does trying to stay more focused. She knew a lot of her friends were at game and some were at game four but everyone understood she doesn’t really have any time for socializing right now.
Oilers has the only three goals in the two periods.
Panthers scored one in the beginning of the third.
Hayden got the puck off a rebound and passed out to Ryan, who quickly scored.
Hayden was out with Leon and Connor on a line and Leon passed to Connor and Connor passed the puck to Hayden.
Hayden hit the puck right into the top corner and she immediately knew she just tired the record with her Dad and did her Dad’s celly as she smiled emotionally and looked up the rafters.
Hayden has 45 points, tied with Harrison and second for most points in a post season.
Oilers won game six 5-1 and were heading back to Florida for game seven.
June 24, 2024
Hayden starred at the floor in the locker room before they headed out onto the ice for game seven.
Hayden closed her eyes and sighed before she stood up and walked down the tunnel with Ryan, one last time.
Hayden sat on the bench as the puck was dropped and she waited for her shift.
Panthers scored first. Oiler’s scored right after tying the game back up.
Second period only Florida scored.
Hayden has the puck halfway through the third period when she suddenly felt someone grabbed her bad arm and she jerked away making her ribs protest but it happened to fast and another panthers player purposely crashed into her elbow making her groan out in pain just as the player let go of her arm just as her teammates got over and shoved the players away as she dropped to the knees holding her elbow squeezing her eyes shut.
Hayden groaned as Ryan reached her first and kneeled down next to her as the rest of the players on the ice were fighting each other.
Hayden looked at Ryan with tearfully and his heart dropped, he hated that she has gotten so many injuries the last few weeks and has been in so much constant pain.
Hayden waved the trainers off knowing she mostly likely just worsened her elbow sprain and she can worry about it after the game.
Hayden got up slowly her ribs screaming at her as she got up and she skated to the bench sitting down.
Hayden was playing the best she could but could barely move her left arm.
The Oilers couldn’t get another goal. The Panthers won the 2024 Stanley Cup.
Hayden felt her heart drop as the celebration screams began and she watched the other team start to celebrate.
Hayden closed her eyes swallowing painfully realizing she didn’t win, she didn’t bring back a cup to Edmonton for her parents.
Hayden’s chest was heavy as she starred at the ice with silent tears slowly coming down her cheeks. If she thought any loss in her career hurt, it was nothing compared to this right now, this was crushing.
Hayden felt someone brush her good and she looked over seeing a tearful Ryan standing there and she leaned into his side, Ryan wrapped his arm around her leaning his head against her head.
Hayden got off the ice tje second she could not even caring that they called her name for the Conn Smythe Trophy, she didn’t want it.
Hayden was checked out and as she expected her elbow was worse and she would need surgery on that too, good thing they scheduled the surgery tomorrow just in case.
Hayden threw her gloves into her stall as she walked in, she was furious, sad and heartbroken.
Hayden sat down in the stall and glanced over seeing Connor crying and she rested her knee on his knee, she couldn’t do much more right now.
Hayden starred at the floor for what seemed like hours, not realizing the way tears just continued to fall down her face.
Hayden slowly got up and got out of uniform and changed back into her suit and sluggishly walked straight of the locker room, she ignored everyone walking right to her family.
Hayden had a devastating look and her eyes were all red, her family didn’t need to say anything and she just leaned into Jack’s side as they walked out.
They are heading right out to San Diego for her surgery.