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Edmonton Oilers: Cam Talbot Still the Man to Watch in Series

By Eric Friesen

Apr 16, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) catches a puck in the air 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 goalie Cam Talbot (33) catches a puck in the air 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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Edmonton Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot had one of his worst performances in Game 4 on Tuesday, but fans should expect him to bounce back.

After setting a new franchise record for wins with 42 in the regular season, Talbot has carried his stellar play into the postseason. So far this series against the Sharks, Talbot has a 2.22 GAA and .925 save percentage.

Talbot earned back-to-back shutouts in Game 2 and 3, becoming the first Oilers’ goalie to record consecutive shutouts since Curtis Joseph in Game 6 and 7 of the 1998 Western Conference Quarter-Final against the Colorado Avalanche. Following practice on Monday, Talbot downplayed his own contributions.

“We’re a confident group and I’m just one piece of that puzzle,” Talbot said in an interview with Oilers TV. “If we can keep playing the way we’ve been playing, we’ll be pretty good.”

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

However, Talbot allowed five goals on 24 shots in Game 4 and was pulled midway through the second period. Easy-going by nature like Oilers legendary goalie Grant Fuhr, Talbot is a calming presence in goal for Edmonton and gives the team a chance to win every night.

“I just try to go about my business and just stay even-keeled,” Talbot said. “I think that’s key at this time of year, so I just try to manage those emotions and play within yourself.”

Head coach Todd McLellan believes Talbot’s calm, cool demeanor has rubbed off on the rest of the team.

“Some goaltenders like Dominik Hasek make that dramatic save with a lot of hectic play around the crease, whereas Cam is just relaxed,” McLellan said in an interview with Oilers TV. “Both goalies can make the save, but a guy like Cam gives your team a little more calmness.”

Notwithstanding Connor McDavid, Talbot has been the important player to the Oilers success this year. The 29-year-old Caledonia, Ontario native has also displayed the ability to pick up himself back up after a loss and refocus.

As the playoffs continue, Talbot will surely be the man to watch. He has come in clutch for the team and has a combined regular and postseason record of 5-2-2 against the Sharks this year. If he can control his rebounds better and watch for the slap-pass play that the Sharks have mastered, Edmonton will have the chance to win Game 5.

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