Last night the Edmonton Oilers played their first game since going their bye week and the All-Star game. As expected, the Oilers played a reasonably sloppy game, but they got what matters: the 2 points.
Edmonton Oilers Depth Comes Through
In the game last night, the Edmonton Oilers had several players with a multi-point night; the names didn’t include McDavid, Draisaitl or Hyman. Foegele got 2 goals, Kane and Nugent-Hopkins each got a goal and an assist and Broberg got himself his first NHL multiple-point night by getting two assists.
As much as well and want to see Draisail and McDavid rack up the points it is nice to see that they no longer need to carry the team on a game-to-game basis. This has been the case this calendar year. According to Jason Gregor since January 1st when neither McDavid nor Drasaitl is on the ice for the Edmonton Oilers 17/7 goals for/goals against.
This is good news now, but it will be even better news when this team gets to the playoffs. In the playoffs, depth scoring becomes even more important as teams start to line match and try extra hard to shut down your top guys.
Jack Campbell May Have Found His Game
We all remember the start of the season when Jack Campbell was struggling and Skinner came in and took over the starting role. Since January Jack Campbell has had a save percentage of 0.916% and a goals-against average. Prior to that, he had a save percentage of 0.876% and a goals-against average of 3.69.
The fact the Edmonton Oilers now have two goalies that they fire out either Skinner or Jack Campbell is excellent news for them. With both goalies being near the top of their games means that there is no longer any worry about either goalie getting tired cause they can fire out either of them either day.
Edmonton Oilers Showed Some Toughness
The game last night was one of the games that got a little bit scrappy. The old Edmonton Oilers used to shy away from a game like that. Not this team, it almost looks like this team goes out and tries to make a scrum.
This is also something that will become helpful in the playoffs. In the playoffs, the games get tougher and rougher. I think against most teams the Edmonton Oilers will be able to hold their own against them if not be better than them in that aspect.
Road Trip Continues Tomorrow
The Edmonton Oilers go from one struggling team to another as they will be in Philadelphia to take on the Flyers on Thursday. This is another game the Edmonton Oilers should win and the way they have played as of late I see no reason why they shouldn’t win.
Hopefully, the Oilers can continue to play strong all the way into the playoffs. If they are able to pick up some extra players on the trade deadline this Edmonton Oilers team will be a tough out.