Edmonton Oilers Can Close Out Series Saturday
The Edmonton Oilers have a chance to leave San Jose with a 4-2 series victory Saturday. They will face off against the Sharks for Game 6 at 8:30 p.m. MT.
Following a Game 4 the team would rather forget, Edmonton bounced back Thursday, impressing with three unanswered goals and a 4-3 overtime victory. The Oilers have the upper hand now and can capitalize on this position.
Edmonton Oilers
If Edmonton wants to escape with a victory Saturday, there are a lot of things they will have to keep in mind, especially on the road. Here’s everything, including lines, the keys to success and more, to know before puck drop.
Projected Lines
The Oilers will keep the same lines they had against the Sharks in Game 5. Drake Caggiula will likely remain on the top unit with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Patrick Maroon seemed to have good chemistry with Zack Kassian and Mark Letestu on that third line, so they will likely remain together.
The defence pairings will likely stay the same as well, as they shouldn’t change. Oscar Klefbom has shined the most this series and fills out the top pairing with Adam Larsson. Matthew Benning will likely remain in alongside Darnell Nurse.
Cam Talbot will get the start between the pipes for the Oilers. He’s started every game this series and has been the difference maker most nights.
Keys to Victory
Edmonton will have to come out physical and on the offensive from the moment the puck drops. Keeping up and controlling the speed of the game will surely help them win, and they also need to spend more time with the puck if they want to outplay the Sharks.
By the same token, the Oilers will have to limit San Jose’s zone time and maintain puck possession, while also staying out of the box. The Oilers have been stung too many times this series by poor penalties.
Lastly, the Oilers will have to start early and avoid falling to a quick deficit, because that will definitely change the mood of the game. They have to keep putting the puck on net and getting bodies in front, and that is how they will figure out Martin Jones.