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Edmonton Oilers: Zack Kassian’s Playoff Surge

By Sammi Silber

Apr 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Zack Kassian (44) celebrates scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the third period of game three in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Oilers won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers right wing Zack Kassian (44) celebrates scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks in the third period of game three in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Oilers won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers took a 2-1 series lead against the San Jose Sharks, and one man to thank is Zack Kassian.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Going back in time to December 2016, Kassian found his life upside down. He had just finished rehabilitation for issues with alcohol and was traded to Edmonton for Ben Scrivens. After spending about a week in Bakersfield, Kassian had shown the will to go back down the right path and got the call up to Edmonton.

Since then, he has been an important asset. He is a solid bottom-six winger and knows his role with the team. Not only has he brought a positive attitude to the locker room, but he has added toughness and determination to his game night in and night out.

In his first playoff series with Edmonton, Kassian has been a huge help. Not only has he scored twice, but he has added a lot of edge to the series. Here’s how Kassian has become a major part of the team’s run through their first three games.

Kassian’s Assets

The 26-year-old winger brings great physicality, and that has helped him so far. He has thrown huge hits and has been aggressive while he’s on the ice. Against a tough San Jose team, Kassian has been not only an effective hitter but has been a good skater and makes things more difficult for the Sharks.

Not only does Kassian outwork the opposition, but he wins battles for the puck and puts up a fight. He doesn’t let anyone take the puck away from him, and that has made him a more efficient player. It has also led him to score two critical goals over the last two games.

Additionally, on the penalty kill, Kassian has been a force when the team is shorthanded. Not only can he clear the puck and defend, but he can also make a push on the forecheck.

Overall, Kassian has been a tremendous part of the team’s run, even though it hasn’t lasted long. Still, he will be one of the top players to have played in this series.

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