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3 Oilers who are critical to the team success in round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs

By Almar Reyes

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 14: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a shot as William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden Knights defends in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on January 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Oilers defeated the Golden Knights 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 14: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins #93 of the Edmonton Oilers takes a shot as William Karlsson #71 of the Vegas Golden Knights defends in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on January 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Oilers defeated the Golden Knights 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Jan 13, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) during the first period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been a key player for the Oilers this season, both offensively and defensively. However, for the Oilers to succeed in the playoffs, they will need all of their top players to step up and contribute on the scoresheet. Nugent-Hopkins has the potential to be a significant scoring threat for the Oilers, and finding his scoring touch in the upcoming series against the Golden Knights could be crucial to the team’s success.

While the Oilers have been successful on the power play so far in the playoffs (56.3%), they cannot rely solely on that to score goals. Having Nugent-Hopkins find his scoring touch at even strength would be a significant boost to the team’s offence and make them a more well-rounded and unpredictable team to defend against.

Nugent-Hopkins was productive on the power play in the first round of the playoffs, but finding ways to contribute at even strength will be crucial for his success and the success of the team. This could include using his speed and playmaking abilities to create scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates or finding ways to capitalize on rebounds and loose pucks in front of the net.

Overall, the Oilers will need a balanced offensive attack to be successful in the playoffs, and every player will need to find ways to contribute at even strength. If Nugent-Hopkins can find his scoring touch in these situations, it could be a significant factor in the team’s continued playoff success.

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