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Round 2 Game 1: Oilers vs Golden Knights - A Tough Opponent |
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Scrolling through the comments section in my last blog I saw a number of people that questioned why the Oilers should be worried about the Vegas Golden Knights and that they are the worst team Edmonton has played in the last couple seasons in the post-season. That simply isn't true and if the Oilers take this Vegas team lightly, than the series could be over before you know it.
From the beginning of March to the end of the season, the Golden Knights had the 4th best record in the NH, going 16-3-3. They scored 56 5 on 5 goals and 40 against in 22 games. The Oilers had the best record in the NHL over that stretch at 18-2-1 and had 57 5 on 5 goals and 40 against in 21 games. The regular season doesn't have much to do with the playoffs once they start but don't forget that just like the Oilers, the Golden Knights came into the post-season red hot.
A video was going around yesterday of Vegas forward Mark Stone, hunched over, seemingly favoring his back as he left the ice.
Stone just returned at the start of the post-season after coming back from back surgery. It will be something to keep an eye on as the series progresses but don't expect him to look hobbled during the game. Oilers fans got up in arms prior to Game 6 because a video appeared of McDavid favoring his leg in practice. With a goal and an assist in Game 6, the captain looked fine.
Back to the Golden Knights, while they may not have a Danault or a Kopitar on their roster, Eichel and Stephenson are dangerous players that deserve some respect for their play, especially when paired with the likes of Marchessault and Stone. Vegas does have more depth than the Kings which may make it more difficult for players like Kostin, McLeod, and Ryan who were huge boons in the first series to find ways to produce.
Janmark has started taking some reps again and while I don't expect him to play in Game 1, we could see him back in the lineup sometime soon. Janmark might not offer much offensively but he was a key part of the Oilers PK which did feel like it was more sluggish with him out of the lineup. Janmark also scored most of his goals against teams he used to play for. He notched a goal against the Golden Knights during the season and had 4 goals against the Dallas Stars. Hmm......
The Oilers haven't faired well in Game 1 of the playoffs over the past couple of seasons. They didn't win in Game 1 against the Kings last season (won series in 7), or the Flames (won series in 5), or the Avalanche (lost in 4 straight). Losing game 1 isn't an indication that you will lose the series but I would always rather be ahead than chasing.
Edmonton played their last game on Saturday April 29th while the Golden Knights played their last game a few days prior on Thursday April 27th. There is always the argument for being well rested vs having too much time off between games. I find that it's an issue until it's not. The Golden Knights could come out totally flat in the opening 20 minutes of the game, or they could be flying in front of their home crowd. Regardless of what Vegas does, Edmonton needs to be ready to commit to the style of play that got them here right from the moment the puck drops.
There are always guys who step up and become heroes in different series of the playoffs. For the Edmonton Oilers against the Kings it was Klim Kostin with his 3 goals. This series I'm going to pick Warren Foegele. Foegele was flying throughout the first round and had a number of really good chances but just wasn't able to bury any of them. I think we might see him produce tonight, and if he pots one I would not be surprised to see a few more follow.
Goaltending in these playoffs are weird. Korpisalo who was good but not elite looked phenomenal through the first three games of the post-season. Jake Oettinger absolutely stonewalled the Wild but gave up 3 goals in 52 seconds against the Seattle Kraken. Stuart Skinner had his shaky moments through the first round but I think it's good that he will start this series on the road. Let Skinner not worry about the crowd and focus on his own game. Will Laurent Brossoit continue to look great or will he turn back into a pumpkin against the Oilers lethal offense and powerplay.
Buckle up everyone, it should be another fun series but like most playoff series, it's going to have it's highs and lows and be stressful for all fans involved.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the game!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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