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Edmonton Oilers Potential First-Round Opponents: Sharks

By Edmund Tonne

Mar 30, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenceman Andrej Sekera (2) battles for the puck in front of San Jose Sharks left winger Patrick Marleau (12) and Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) during the second period at Rogers Place. Oilers won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenceman Andrej Sekera (2) battles for the puck in front of San Jose Sharks left winger Patrick Marleau (12) and Sharks center Tomas Hertl (48) during the second period at Rogers Place. Oilers won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers could face the San Jose Sharks, the 2016 Stanley Cup finalists, in the first round of their first playoff series since 2006.

Facing a well-rounded Sharks club in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs could be a blessing in disguise. While every hardcore fan is secretly pining for a throwback matchup against their southern Alberta rivals, sometimes it’s best to get right down to business.

A Unique Roster

Almost all of the Oilers’ star-power comes from an extremely youthful core. One of their best assets will be an energy level stemming from adrenaline and unbridled enthusiasm. You could argue that the Sharks’ experience will be able to process that wave coming at them.

The Oilers have a unique mix of youth and veterans who know how to form chemistry. The top six has been outstanding in this second half of the season, and the Oilers have used that to their advantage to defeat San Jose in their previous two matchups. If they carry that over, they will have no trouble putting up a tough contest.

Staying Healthy

As of today, the Oilers have to stay healthy in all the right places.  There is even the possibility that Tyler Pitlick could return to the wing this postseason.  But his speed and size are things that the Oilers seem to have found in other places.

Dangerously thinking past the first round, it would be an advantage to face the Sharks first while healthy, and then challenge the Flames or Ducks in the second. If Edmonton just stays healthy and does what they can in their fight against the Sharks, they should be fine.

Tandem in Net

The Oilers not only have Cam Talbot, who has been outstanding this season but also saw Laurent Brossoit step up for a couple of key games, putting up an excellent performance to ensure Edmonton the victories they needed. Talbot struggled for just two starts but came back and completely rebounded, closing the door and making himself big between the pipes.

However, seeing Brossoit step up in a time of need has rejuvenated his confidence. He is more likely to be trusted with the start if necessary, and surely enough, he would put in the effort. His NHL debut was actually in 2015 against the Sharks, where he stopped 49 of 51 shots and played an excellent game.

Seeing how he could come off the bench and shut the door gives the Oilers insurance in net, which will absolutely help against the Sharks.

The Oilers are currently in the second-place spot in the Pacific and sit fourth in the West. They are set to play the Sharks as of now but have home ice advantage.

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