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Edmonton Oilers Defeat Sharks, Advance to Second Round

By Sammi Silber |
Apr 22, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Anton Slepyshev (42) is surrounded by teammates as San Jose Sharks right wing Joel Ward (42) skates by after Slepyyshev's goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Anton Slepyshev (42) is surrounded by teammates as San Jose Sharks right wing Joel Ward (42) skates by after Slepyyshev's goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

After Game 4, the Edmonton Oilers faced a bit of doubt following a 7-0 loss. However, the Oilers came to fight the next two games and defeated San Jose in Game 6. They won the series 4-2 and will be advancing to the second round to face the Anaheim Ducks.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

The first period was a hard-hitting period filled with opportunities, but the Oilers struggled with bouncing pucks. They also couldn’t see results right away, and therefore struggled to get too much on goal. However, they came out ready to capitalize in the next frame.

Leon Draisaitl and Anton Slepyshev put the Oilers in front 2-0 with respective breakaway goals just minutes apart from one another. Both of them were solid and skated effectively, and took their time with the puck to ensure two goals for Edmonton. Not to mention, the Oilers made smart passes and plays and took their time instead of rushing to get shots away and giving up the puck.

In the third period, things fell apart a bit. The Oilers gave the Sharks too much time and space with the puck, and in turn, that led to them pulling within a goal thanks to Patrick Marleau. Additionally, the Oilers spent a bit too much time in their own zone, and let the Sharks get way too many opportunities. To make things more intense, the Oilers took a poor late too-many-men penalty that nearly took the game into overtime.

However, Connor McDavid’s line spent time taking care of matters on the ice, and in turn, it was the captain who ensured the victory with his empty netter with less than a second remaining in regulation time. However, the Sharks shut him down effective throughout the series, and if he wants to succeed against Anaheim, the Oilers must protect him and allow him more space. If this means putting him back with a physical winger like Patrick Maroon, then so be it.

Overall, the Oilers are heading to round two and defying expectations. They will face Anaheim.

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