Edmonton Oilers: Five Players That Need To Rise To The Occasion
By Jim Lynch
Ethan Bear
The entire defence needs to be great, but that has to start with Ethan Bear. The Oilers know what they are getting out of Tyson Barrie and Adam Larsson. It is Bear that needs to find another level this postseason.
This was a down year for Bear offensively after putting up 21 points in 71 games in 2019-20. granted he did only play in 43 this season. There are a lot of question marks revolving around the defence moving into next season so making sure Bear has a good playoff run and helps the team win will be a game-changer.
Ryan McLeod
Last up is Ryan McLeod who only played in 10 games this season. There is a good chance that McLeod starts the playoffs on the third line and he could potentially help decide the outcome of the series.
If I am the Winnipeg Jets I am going to be starting some of my best players against the third line. McLeod is just 21 years old and has only played ten games in the NHL. He has six giveaways in ten games and has not scored an NHL goal yet. While he does have skill and probably should be in the lineup, he is a player that Winnipeg is going to try and target all night long.
The Oilers Jets series is not going to be won by just one line, it takes a deep lineup and every line contributing to win. If Ryan McLeod can play the same way as he did in his ten games in the NHL then they do have a real chance at winning.
It is almost time for puck drop, are you ready?