Oilers Playoffs: First Intermission Report vs Jets In Game One

The first period between the Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers is complete. One period of playoff hockey is in the books in Edmonton.

The Stats:

Score: 0-0
Shots: 6-6
Faceoffs: 6 – Winnipeg | 7 – Edmonton
Hits: 31 – Winnipeg | 19 – Edmonton
Special Teams: No Opportunites

The Breakdown:

The playoffs are underway. This first period really was a feel out between both teams with there being very little going on on the ice. The Oilers did not get their first shot on goal until after eight minutes into the game.

Winnipeg focused on defence through the first 20 minutes. They were playing physically and trying to make sure they weren’t giving up many odd-man rushes.

Mike Smith made some great saves through the first 20 minutes, as the team needs him to do. With nothing really going on there really was only one standout player in my opinion. Josh Archibald had a great hit in the offensive zone. The hit turned into a scoring chance for the Oilers and could have led to goal.

Things were pretty quiet in period one. The Oilers were dumping the puck in but not forechecking enough to retrieve the puck. This game has been a back-and-forth run but Edmonton should be able to come out on top.

Locker Room Talk:

Going into period two I kind of think the Oilers just need to stay the course. Sure they didn’t get that many shots on goal and were quiet through the first 20 minutes, but this team can come out on top if they stay the course.

The Oilers are a faster team and they should be able to prevail over the Jets if they keep playing fast hockey. Edmonton has more speed and they are one great pass away from a two-on-one leading to a goal.

The last minute of the game featured McDavid getting a couple of good scoring chances, one of those just has to go in. All the offense in the final minute is great, but maybe the Oilers can try to limit the three on ones to just that one this game, please.