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Edmonton Oilers: Klefbom, Larsson Proving to Be Perfect Combo

By Sammi Silber

Feb 28, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) defenseman Adam Larsson (6) and defenseman Oscar Klefbom (77) defend the net against St. Louis Blues right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) during the second period at Scottrade Center. The Oilers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) defenseman Adam Larsson (6) and defenseman Oscar Klefbom (77) defend the net against St. Louis Blues right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) during the second period at Scottrade Center. The Oilers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Adam Larsson, their primary concern was whether or not he could be a top right-handed defender. However, he has gone beyond that and has molded into the team stronger than imagined.

Paired with fellow countryman Oscar Klefbom, Larsson has shown excellent chemistry on the top pairing. Both of them have excelled and proven their worth to the Oilers organization.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Klefbom and Larsson have put up excellent numbers this season. Klefbom is the more offence-driven of the two and has gotten involved in the play and taken to shooting the puck. His 12 goals and 30 points this season lead the Oilers defence (tied with Sekera) and just goes to show that he is becoming more of a puck-mover.

Larsson is more of the stay-at-home type, but get involves in the play when he can. He is more focused on playing a safe game and looking after the puck. He makes himself bigger and more physical on the backcheck and is sure to focus more on his play within the Oilers zone.

A Dynamic Duo

Combined, both of them boast excellent stats and numbers. They allow just 8.41 scoring chances per 60, which is decent considering the amount of shots they face night in and night out. Their Corsi, which is around 56 percent combined, shows that they can usually maintain possession of the puck.

Additionally, both blueliners bring a lot more to the table. Larsson has an outstanding mark of 217 hits on the season; his increased physicality has not only helped the Oilers become more aggressive but makes it more difficult for the opposition to outwork the defence.

Both Klefbom and Larsson have blocked well over 100 shots respectively, and this just goes to show that this pairing can be an asset at even strength or on the penalty kill. They show a tremendous amount of athleticism, and seem to fit each other well; Larsson brings the physicality that Klefbom lacks, and in return, Klefbom blocks shots and helps maintain control of the puck.

Overall, these two players are tailored to fit one another. Klefbom and Larsson not only bring out differing types of play, but bring out the best in each other as well.

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