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Edmonton Special Teams Have Been Otherworldly |
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As the Vancouver vs. Edmonton series enters Game 3 tonight, it's a must for Vancouver to either stay out of the penalty box or for the penalty kill to step up huge. So far in the playoffs, the Oilers are a ridiculous 11-for-24 on the power play (45.8 percent) on the power play including a 1-for-3 showing in Game 2. Meanwhile, the Oilers' PK is 17-for-18 to date. The one blemish? Elias Pettersson's power play goal for Vancouver in Game 2.
Ken Hitchcock was the first coach to popularize the special teams number -- power play percentage plus PK percentage. So far, the Oilers have an otherworldly 140.2 special team number (45.8 PP + 94.4 PK). There's no way this can be sustainable to that sort of level.
I've really been enjoying watching the Oilers' special teams at work, especially the power play. In face, I think it's probably my favorite thing about the playoffs so far. What's been YOUR favorite thing to watch, regardless of team loyalty and from a sheer hockey standpoint?