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Playoff Game 3: Oilers @ Kings - Making Smart Adjustments |
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In Game 1, the Oilers were outmatched from a combination of nerves and the Kings stiffling play. The 1-3-1 formation that LA enlists made it highly difficult for Edmonton to control play in LA's end. Coach Jay Woodcroft and his staff had to make some key adjustments in order the combat this in Game 2 and it clearly worked. In Game 2 we saw a far more aggressive Oilers team that chipped the puck behind the Kings defense and then fought for possession. Without Doughty, LA has a young blue line that Edmonton laid crushing hits on all night.
The end result was a convincing 6-0 win for Edmonton with Kane, McLeod, and Puljujarvi scoring 5 on 5 goals and Draisaitl, Nurse, and Kane scoring on special teams, Darnell on the penalty kill. Overall the Kings weren't able to generate much of anything with the Danault line in particular being out shot at 5 on 5.
That is the kind of game and energy the Oilers need to bring forward tonight and every other game in this post-season. Earning a win not only gives the team a 1-1 but a sigh of relief with the memory of last year's sweep by the Jets. Now Edmonton needs to only focus on playing their game moving forward
The challenge facing Edmonton these next two games will be dealing with first line change. Woodcroft was highly effective at keeping his bottom six away from LA's top lines but that is a luxury he will not have over these next two games. The RNH and McLeod lines will have to face Kopitar and Danault more and they need to be able to roll with that while not getting caved in.
I was very concerned at the idea of bringing in Josh Archibald for Game 2 but credit where credit is due as both he and Zack Kassian played smart physical games. Both players are more suited to the dump and chase style of game and the decision to play both now makes sense to me. In Woodcroft we trust. My biggest concern now is Archibald having to matchup against Danault. That is a matchup that LA could very easily capitalize on if the Oilers make dumb decisions in their own end. RNH played better in Game 2 but he needs to find another level to maximize the effectiveness of his line.
Fantastic to see Jesse Puljujarvi score a goal. The big Finn looked far more like his normal self on Game 2 and was finally rewarded with a goal. Both he and his line will need to have a strong performance and continue to cause havoc in front of Jonathan Quick. A huge shoutout to Kane who after a mediocre game 1 showed up big on the scoresheet in Game 2.
Ryan McLeod is another player that is finding a new level early on in this series. With a goal and an assist, McLeod is proving Edmonton with much needed offense from the bottom part of the lineup while continuing to be an effective penalty killer.
On the topic of powerplays and penalty kills, the number of calls across the league during the post season is dramatically up. That is great news as there is no logical reason why the game should be called differently between the regular season and the post season. The rules are the rules regardless. For an Oilers team that is very strong on the powerplay this is good news and just helps to give them one more way to bear their opponent
Keith and Bouchard were rhe Oilers best pairing in Game 2 and effectively were Edmontons top pairing. Bouchard has looked calm and made a number of smart heady plays while Keith has made a number of crisp passes and helped out in both areas of the ice. That is something that must continue because Darnell Nurse still looks a step behind out there.
Tonight will be a huge test and the Oilers could be going up 2-1 in the series and be ahead for the first time in a playoff series since 2017. It's going to be a tough clash tonight as you can bet LA will be coming out strong to their cheering fans. I hope everyone enjoys the game!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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