Sportsnet analyst Kevin Bieksa gives brutally honest take of Oilers in Cup Final
Photo credit: Sportsnet/Hockey Night in Canada
Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman turned Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kevin Bieska gave a brutally honest take on the play by the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5.
During the second intermission, Bieska opened his comments in utter disbelief on how poorly the Oilers had played only having eleven shots through 40 minutes.
Bieska felt Oilers were playing too safe and not their game
"I just think the whole mindset of this game has been off for the Oilers," said Bieksa during the second intermission. "I think it's a very safe mindset, it's a very uptight mindset at times.
"The evidence of that is look at all the decisions they are making with the puck," said Bieksa. "They are so hesitant, so reluctant to use the middle of the ice." - Kevin Bieska
"The evidence of that is look at all the decisions they are making with the puck," said Bieksa. "They are so hesitant, so reluctant to use the middle of the ice." - Kevin Bieska
It was clear that the Oilers were not prepared for Game 5 compared to others in the playoffs as the Florida Panthers did what they do best witches swarm the Oilers defence along the boards and begin the cycle of the puck which leaves the Oilers tired and hemmed in their own end.
Bieska also alluded to the boards being an issue along with the fact that they're not using the middle of the ice where many of their players can score their goals including captain Connor McDavid.
"The boards in this series is death," said Bieksa. "It is death for the Edmonton Oilers. "It is big Florida defensemen pinching, it is big wingers that love these little confrontations."
"They are not using the middle of the ice, everything is along the wall," said Bieksa. "Here we are, we're 2-0 nothing we're Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final and we have 2 periods of safe. Little safe plays by the Oilers." - Kevin Bieska
"They are not using the middle of the ice, everything is along the wall," said Bieksa. "Here we are, we're 2-0 nothing we're Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final and we have 2 periods of safe. Little safe plays by the Oilers." - Kevin Bieska
Oilers facing elimination for first time in this series
Despite the loss, the Oilers are now facing elimination for the first time in this series and the team is well known throughout the playoffs of being resilient and able to rise to the occasion when their backs are to the wall.
Several questions remain for the Oilers and their lineup including who head coach Kris Knoblauch will tap on the shoulder to man the net in starting goaltender Stuart Skinner or backup Calvin Pickard.
It's safe to say that the Oilers will be playing the game of their lives as they wish to extend this series back to Edmonton as they face an enormous challenge with the Panthers at home and holding all the confidence now.
Source: Hockeyfeed
Kevin Bieksa calls out Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Kevin Bieksa calls out Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.
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