Analyst believes Oilers have player on roster that compares to Brad Marchand
Photo credit: Perry Nelson - Imagn Images
During a recent discussion on Struddy's World, Oilers' play-by-play voice Jack Michaels and Jason Strudwick spoke about how one player in particular can be what Brad Marchand is to Florida.
The discussion surrounded Edmonton's lack of emotion and intensity, and referred to how Trent Trent Frederic's fight against Mathieu Olivier injected an instant does of much-need intensity into the Oilers' lineup.
Analysts believe Oilers have a Brad Marchand-style player on roster
They pointed to Andrew Mangiapane as the one that can have an impact with his feisty, aggressive style of play, calling him 'a lighter, less talented version of Brad Marchand'.
«[Mangiapane's] a guy you absolutely despise on the other team,» Michaels also said. «He'll drive you insane.»
No doubt, Edmonton has had first-hand experience with that 'insanity', playing against Florida in the Finals twice. They've also seen up-front what that type of player brings to the roster, how effective he can be.
Strudwick suggested that what the Oilers need from Andrew immediately is to focus on being a pest, the aggressor on the ice, playing with added intensity and physicality, given the team has been flat this year.
With the absence of Corey Perry and Evander Kane from the lineup, it was expected that Trent Frederic would step into the role; with the exception of the one fight, it hasn't happened.
The role could be Mangiapane's to take. He has the feistiness and versatility already in his DNA, as well and grit and a two-way game. It's a style of play that is contagious up and down the lineup.
It would only take one player for the entire lineup to follow suit. It can't be emphasized enough, the importance of playing like it's game-7 every game.
When the Oilers play this way, they've proven to be successful. They have the personnel to do it. But they they need to actually do it.
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