Edmonton Oilers get huge performances from 2 playoff secret weapons
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers went back to Los Angeles for Game 5 with their most complete game of the playoffs to secure a win heading back to Alberta - and got impressive performances from down the lineup.
The Oilers got two injured veterans back from injury for the playoff run in Evander Kane and John Klingberg, and there was real doubt about who they could hold up. After last night, those doubts are gone.
Evander Kane and John Klingberg headline supporting cast of Oilers who stepped up in Game 5
Coming back from major injuries in their mid 30s to get up to speed in playoff games is difficult, both players faced major hurdles to even play for the Oilers right now. In Game 5, they didn't just meet expectations - they surpassed them.
Evander Kane was mixing it up with Kings players all night in scrums and laying hits, bringing an element the Oilers sorely need.
More importantly, the secondary scoring is back with Kane. He scored the tying goal for the Oilers, giving him 2 goals and 3 points in the playoffs so far.
John Klingberg has now put together a few solid games for the Oilers, and last night continued to impress.
The veteran defender was walking the blue line and controlling the puck with poise, giving him 2 assists now in the playoffs. Even in scrums, Klingberg got in on the action.
The ultimate depth contribution has to be the game winning goal from Mattias Janmark. After not scoring on a goalie using his stick all season, Janmark bringing 2 goals and a game winner through the first 5 games is a huge pickup for Edmonton.
By all analytical metrics, the entire Oilers team had a fantastic night. Jake Walman, John Klingberg, and Evander Kane had the highest impact, but to a man, a complete effort.
If the Oilers can keep up with another dominant performance like this, they'll end the series in Alberta tomorrow night.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 30 | 866 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers get huge performances from 2 playoff secret weapons Do you think John Klingberg will return to the Oilers next year? | ||
| Yes | 610 | 70.4 % |
| No | 256 | 29.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
