Edmonton played their most complete game in weeks against the New Jersey Devils. It wasn't a perfect game by any means; the Devils still controlled pace of play more than a team with their current record should against a team with Edmonton's current record.
The crucial thing for Edmonton, and what the team needs to be able to build off of, is that goals were scored by some different players. Gaetan Haas scored a great deflection goal off of a point shot by Matt Benning, Alex Chiasson picked up his first goal of the season on the powerplay, and James Neal scored an even strength goal. With the exception of Draisaitl's breakaway goal, every Oilers goal was a result of sustained play and pressure in the offensive end.
Too many times this season, the Oil were caught seeking that perfect pass and shot play at 5 on 5. Last game (hopefully) reiterated to the team that higher shot volume, followed by strong puck retrieval is a more consistent way to score goals.
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Edmonton has received plenty of flak (with good reason) on being a team that is being carried by a couple of elite individuals. The exact same can be said about the Anaheim Ducks. Two words; John Gibson.
The Ducks are one of the worst teams in the league at created scoring chances, they have a pitiful 4 powerplay goals this entire season and have allowed the 10th most shots in the league. The only reason they have stayed in most games is due to the best goaltender in the league in Gibson. Maybe someday the Awards season will be kind to him.
Through the first 8 games of the season, the Ducks went 6-2, the last 9 games they have gone 3-5-1, having dropped their last 2 straight. Once again, these points against division rivals are crucial if the Oilers want to be a playoff team.
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LINEUP
OILERS
Draisaitl-McDavid-Kassian
Neal-RNH-Chiasson
Khaira-Sheahan-Archibald
Granlund-Haas-P. Russell
1.) Challenge Gibson - Obviously the key to beating the Ducks is to keep pressure on their netminder. The Ducks average less shots a game than even the Oilers. Similar to the game against Kuemper and the Coyotes, one off chances aren't going to cut it.
2.) Points From the D - The Ducks two most productive defenders have been Lindholm (9 points) and Fowler (8 points). The exact same can be said about Edmonton with Klefbom (9 points) and Nurse (8 points). Some points and maybe even a goal from one of these two for Edmonton would certainly help out.
3.) Time Management - The great thing about having different players scoring is that you can afford to give your top end players more of a break. The Ducks can make life difficult for their opposition by grinding them out and if McDavid and Draisaitl are playing 25 minutes a night, they are going to be gassed and less useful by the end of the game.
FILM OF THE DAY
If the Oilers can continue to build off of the success of last game and have more secondary players chip in and be effective, maybe everything can be awesome for Edmonton this season. See what I did there.... because I'm picking The Lego Movie... and building....and the song.... whatever here you go.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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