Edmonton Oilers Tie Series, Stun with Game 6 Win
The Edmonton Oilers seemed to figure out the Anaheim Ducks and did everything right in Game 6. They tied the series 3-3 with an outstanding 7-1 win over the Ducks.
It all started with an early offensive surge. Leon Draisaitl was moved to the centre position between Milan Lucic and Anton Slepyshev on the second line, and it paid off. He scored less than three minutes into the opening frame on a breakaway to give Edmonton the 1-0 lead. Minutes later, he added another tally on a turn-around backhand rebound to make it 2-0.
Edmonton Oilers
The outburst continued with a breakaway goal by Zack Kassian, which would end John Gibson’s night between the pipes. Edmonton soon after added two more goals from Mark Letestu to make it 5-0. Draisaitl had three points to end the first period.
He would add two more points in the second. He set up Anton Slepshev for a 2-on-1 goal that would make it 6-0 Oilers, and then, he scored his first hat trick goal on a power-play opportunity to make it 7-1. Rickard Rakell scored for the Ducks in the second.
Edmonton did everything right, but the biggest reason for the victory was Draisaitl. He used great speed and drive to make strong plays and rushes into the zone. Not to mention, he kept shooting and stayed persistent and also showed outstanding footwork and stickhandling skill. If not for him, Edmonton would not be where they are.
Mark Letestu was also outstanding, winning draws and jumping on opportunities. Despite going without a point, Connor McDavid played with great speed and drive and helped the Oilers create opportunities.
Cam Talbot stood his ground against the Ducks, who picked up the pressure after a rough first period. He stopped 34 of 35 shots, and stayed sharp and on his feet. He also got a lot of help from his defence despite the absence of Oscar Klefbom and Andrej Sekera.
Griffin Reinhart and Eric Gryba brought physicality and more, and Reinhart even put up his first ever Cup playoff point with an assist.
Overall, the Oilers played a strong and outstanding game and gave a full, complete effort for 60 minutes. If they carry this over into Game 7, they can end the series with a bang.