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Edmonton Oilers Look to Take Control in Game 3

By Sammi Silber

Apr 26, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Mark Letestu (not pictured) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Edmonton won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Mark Letestu (not pictured) scores a goal on Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) during the second period in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Edmonton won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers own a 2-0 series lead going into Game 3 against the Anaheim Ducks. Still, they know there is a lot at stake, and that they can definitely improve in different areas.

Edmonton has the chance to excel to a 3-0 series lead Sunday, and they can do it on home ice. They will have to bring a lot more to the table with the competition getting fiercer each night. Here is the lowdown on everything you have to know prior to puck drop.

Projected Lines

All lines are expected to remain the same, but there is still confusion as to whether or not Drake Caggiula will play. After going hard into the boards and not returning in Game 2, Caggiula is likely a game-time decision and could very well not dress. If that is the case, Matt Hendricks, Jujhar Khaira or Iiro Pakarinen could draw in for the fallen forward.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

As for the defence, pairings will stay the same as well, and Cam Talbot will get the nod between the pipes for Edmonton.

Keys to Victory

The biggest key is limiting the Ducks’ shot totals. This means overall cutting down on the time they spend on the offensive. The Oilers did a good job of getting off to a quick start in Game 2, but they will have to keep the pressure on from the moment the puck drops to the moment the game ends. If they don’t lighten up, the Ducks will spend more time defending and get fewer opportunities.

The Ducks have outshot and outhit the Oilers over the first two contests, so seeing that the Oilers come out with great pressure on the forecheck and physicality is crucial. Additionally, they have to play strong defence and backcheck effectively. Anaheim has been getting many chances to score, and thanks to Talbot, not many of those shots are going in. However, the Oilers can’t rely on him solely.

Lastly, getting point shots from defenders and big bodies in front mostly ends up being successful. If the Oilers have their blueliners step in offensively, they will get a lot more opportunities. Just look at Adam Larsson and Andrej Sekera through the first two games.

The puck drops at 5 p.m. MT from Rogers Place, and the Oilers will likely see themselves putting in a bigger workload if they want to take a major advantage in this series.

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