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That was one of the most enjoyable matinee games I have ever watched.
The Oilers stepped on the gas pedal at the start of the game versus the Preds and aside from a few hiccups (including a white knuckled last 10 minutes) they played a strong road game against one of the best teams in the NHL.
Edmonton has looked like an actual NHL team since the third period against the Jets. Sure there have been issues along the way; Edmonton is far from a perfect team. They are finally getting help from their secondary scoring, the defence has worked well as a whole, and the goaltending tandem are clicking.
There are a few areas of the Oilers I have been critical about that I will take a moment to discuss. I still have my doubts but I will give credit where credit is due.
DRAKE CAGGIULA
Since coming into the NHL Caggiula has been one of those players who looks like he is doing a whole bunch while he is on the ice without actually doing anything. He production was mediocre despite being gifted time with the Oilers top players.
So far this season Caggiula has been doing exactly what he needs to in order to stay in the lineup. He has been physical without putting himself out of the play, he has attacked the puck without taking penalties, and in his last game against Nashville he finally produced.
THE ALL LEFT POWERPLAY
It made no sense...it still doesn't really make sense. But solely on the Oilers first unit, Edmonton has the 8th best powerplay in the league. There was a play last nigh t where McDavid passed the puck in front to Draisaitl to take a shot. If there was a right shot in place of Draisaitl it would have been an easy play. Draisaitl however was able to take the puck on his backhand before immediately switching to his forehand to take the shot. It was a nifty play that highlights how the players are making it work.
KOSKINEN
I don't know about the rest of you but I held my breath any time the puck came into the Oilers zone in the first period. Koskinen looked average at best as the pre-season went on and hadn't played an NHL game since 2001. However the big man made some crucial saves against the Predators and was a big part of the Oilers win. Hopefully this should give the Oilers coaching staff the ability to give Mikko more games without having the press so hard on Talbot.
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Today Edmonton heads into Chicago hoping to keep their streak alive. The Oilers need to keep playing how they have; not letting off the gas and playing their game.
I thought the Oilers might put Puljujarvi back into this game, especially because I felt Kassian deserved to be scratched after taking an idiotic penalty late in the third period. Nonetheless McLellan is sticking with the winning lineup.
1) Foot On The Gas. The Oilers play at their best when they attack the puck and are moving their feet. The Blackhawks are the top team in the league in even strength scoring with 35 goals. They are also last in the league allowing 31 goals at 5 on 5. Edmonton needs to play a balanced game, keeping pressure on the Hawks while being mindful that Chicago can turn the play around quickly. 2) Still Mad At Ward. Despite the fact that most of the Oilers on the roster weren't even playing in the NHL in 2006 they need to channel hatred at Cam Ward. Ward filled in as the #1 while Crawford was out and didn't do the team many favours. He has a 0.885 SV% and allows on average 4.23 goals a game. Light him up. 3) Special Teams. The Hawks have been great at 5 on 5 but their special teams are another story. They have one of the worst powerplays in the league at 11.11% and a PK of 74.29%. Edmonton should be able to take advantage of both of these facts. 4) Strome. Ryan Strome has been an interesting player to follow this year. He has done a decent job in the faceoffs circle, minimizes chances against and has clicked with Lucic. However his offense has dried up completely. Caggiula is playing a better game and Strome needs to match his linemates intensity and find a way to produce as well.
FILM OF THE DAY
Edmonton needs to step on the gas and keep their speed above 80km an hour (I'm Canadian). Ironically that purely random number I picked is the exact same speed that the bus needs to stay above in the movie...well....Speed.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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