Oil On Whyte
Fansided

Edmonton Oilers Take 2-0 Lead with Win Over Ducks

By Sammi Silber

April 28, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) moves in for the rebound as Edmonton Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson (6) helps goalie Cam Talbot (33) defend the goal during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 28, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) moves in for the rebound as Edmonton Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson (6) helps goalie Cam Talbot (33) defend the goal during the second period in game two of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Edmonton Oilers got off to an early start and capped off a 2-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks Friday. The Oilers will now head back to Edmonton for Games 3 and 4 with a commanding 2-0 series lead.

With the victory, Edmonton not only establishes an impressive lead but also their dominance. They may not outplay the Ducks each shift, but they put up a fight and end up being a tougher customer than once thought. Here is everything to take away from the team’s win.

X-Factors

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Thanks to a first-period strike off a rocket of a shot from Andrej Sekera, the Oilers got off to an early start. He ripped the puck from the point and jumped on rebounds, which helped him get involved offensively. Sekera was effective on the backend as well and proved to play a solid game at both ends of the ice.

Another key player was Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Not only did he create the keep in play that helped Patrick Maroon score on the power-play, but he was a force to be reckoned with. Nugent-Hopkins displayed great jump in his step and drive and was also a physical presence. He was also great on the backend and showed off his two-way game and full potential.

First Star: Talbot

The biggest star of the night, however, was Cam Talbot. He stopped 39 of 40 shots and was a brick wall. He was not only fast and quick to react, but he could get across the crease in time and make acrobatic saves. Given the defence left Talbot out to dry in this one, he was sharp and gave the team the win. The 29-year-old netminder is also a big reason why the Ducks went 0-for-4 on the power play despite so many opportunities.

As the series shifts back to Edmonton, the Oilers will have to buckle down and limit the Ducks chances. They were caught in their own zone way too much and gave the Ducks too much space. By the same token, Anaheim outshot and outhit the Oilers and played a much more pressured game.

If the Oilers want to win, they will have to assert their dominance, especially on home ice. If they win Sunday, they could take a huge lead and be one game closer to the next step.

Home/Oilers News