Edmonton Oilers: Jordan Eberle Impressive in Playoff Debut

Edmonton Oilers right-winger Jordan Eberle had an excellent showing in his first career playoff game after waiting seven seasons to get there.

Edmonton Oilers

Coming into Game 1 from Rogers Place Wednesday, Eberle had accumulated 165 goals and 382 points in 507 regular season games. In his postseason debut, the longest-tenured Oiler recorded an assist on the team’s first playoff goal in almost 11 years. He notched a helper on Oscar Klefbom’s first-period tally.

Despite a rather disappointing season, where he finished with just 20 goals and 51 points in 82 games, Eberle bounced back toward the end. He finished with six points in his last four games and started to get his edge back. Eberle scored a hat-trick in the team’s season finale victory over Vancouver.

Playoff Campaign

When it comes to the playoffs, the Oilers will need Eberle to step up. While Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Patrick Maroon carried the Oilers’ offence this season, they will need help. They can’t be expected to get on the scoresheet every night come playoff time. With the second line starting to click, Eberle and his linemates in Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic will be relied on to chip in offensively.

Another impressive part of Eberle’s performance in Game 1 was his play away from the puck. While he isn’t known for being an exceptional two-way player, the Regina native delivered physicality and showed good hustle on the backcheck.

While Eberle is a goal-scorer first, the Oilers are going to need him to continue playing hard at both ends of the rink. Especially if they want to defeat the Sharks, a team that doesn’t give up many scoring chances.

Eberle watched Ryan Smyth, Dwayne Roloson, and Chris Pronger lead Edmonton to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. Now, it’s his turn to play, and he will look to bring more to Game 2.