No other way to say it, in Game 5 after a decent first period by Edmonton, the Vancouver Canucks absolutely had their way with the Oilers. From the top of the lineup through to the bottom the roster just looked gassed. Vancouver skated far better, hit way more, and were overall the better team.

Now the Edmonton Oilers face elimination for the first time in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tonight we will find out whether or not the team will be able to push a Game 7 or if this will be the end of their season.

So far I have not been overly wild about any of Kris Knoblauch;s playoff lineups. He has utilized what worked in the regular season but as players like Foegele, Perry, McLeod, RNH, and others have gone cold he simply hasn't been aggressive in his changes. After Game 4, Tocchet put his whole roster on notice and they responded in kind in a dominant Game 5 performance. Knoblauch is steady as she goes but I would like to see him show some emotion to the general public on an unacceptable performance.

It looks like Stuart Skinner will be back in net tonight. Pickard gave it his all in Game 5 and while I wouldn't fault any of the goals really on him, if the Oilers are going to make any long term noise in these playoffs it will be with their starter. Might as well get him back in.

It also looks like Perry is coming out for Sam Carrick tonight. Perry was brought in as a leader and to bring a physical and scoring presence to the bottom six in the playoffs. Two of those things at least he has not done. There may be another player drawing out as Knoblauch alluded to an illness.

Tonight is do or die for the Edmonton Oilers. There is no place tonight to be passive or shy away from a check or a hit. Every player on the Oilers roster needs to be motivated and at their best or they shouldn't be here next year. It's as simple as that.

Broberg and/or Stecher should be in this lineup right now. The Canucks have attacked with speed and are crucifying players like Ceci who cannot play with pace. Edmonton needs more blueliners that are capable of being mobile and transporting the puck out of the zone. Woodcroft by this time would have certainly gone to an 11/7 formation... it isn't like the bottom six is playing so great that the team cannot afford to have one of their fourth liners sitting.

The positive spin on last game is while the Oilers played their worst game of the post-season and the Canucks played their best, the game was still decided by a single goal, just as every game between these two teams has.

It's been a phenomenal series thus far and the Canucks certainly deserve credit for pushing the Oilers to the brink. I hope we have a Game 7 to keep this incredible series going at least a little bit longer.

Thanks for reading.

Join the Discussion: » 22 Comments » Post New Comment

» What Is This Oilers Team?

» Mc1000

» Oilers vs Islanders - Finding Ways to Score

» Oilers Scoring Woes Changed Against Canucks

» Oilers vs Golden Knights - McDavid Returns