Edmonton Oilers Look completely different with this one change in their game
Photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
The Edmonton Oilers have shown in this playoff a completely different look compared to the regular season when it comes to their physical game and hits.
According to Dave Staples, of the Edmonton Journal the team now has gone from 32nd overall in hits per game to 4th overall in the first round of the playoffs.
Several factors have helped this major Oilers turnaround
After losing their first two games against the kings, the Oilers looked like a completely different team and have settled well into these playoffs showing their physical side and throwing their body constantly.
Several players had returned to the lineup including Evander Kane and Trent Frederic as both had battled injuries after being traded for and underwent surgery and recovery for the entire season.
Other players like Zach Hyman Vasily Podkolzin and Adam Henrique seemed to have saved this style of game for the playoffs as the Oilers were one of the nicest teams in the NHL when it came to physicality.
It's become clear that the Oilers are on their mission and have begun to turn up their intensity as they wish to finish their series against the Kings at home and March on to the second round.
Oilers appear to be trending in the right direction
One player in particular who is trending in the right direction and giving the Oilers a much-needed boost offensively and physically is Evander Kane.
Since his return to the lineup, he has played four games, scoring two goals one assist for three points while shooting 14 times with 17 hits.
Earlier this season just prior to the trade deadline, the Oilers were shopping Kane two other teams as they were looking to get out from under his contract where he has one year remaining with a $5.25 million cap hit.
It's likely his play will continue to grow as the Oilers hope to move on to the second round and he will become the force many felt he should have been when they brought him in nearly three years ago.
The team is looking to closeout the series this evening but if they are unable to do so, Game 7 will be held in Los Angeles at crypto.com arena on Saturday night May 3rd.
Game time will be 10:00 PM eastern.
| POLL | ||
MAI 1 | 930 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers Look completely different with this one change in their game Do you think the Oilers can keep this physical play up through the whole playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 853 | 91.7 % |
| No | 77 | 8.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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