3 Oilers who are critical to the team success in round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs
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.
D Darnell Nurse
It’s understandable why Darnell Nurse has been making lists of top underperforming defensemen, as he has been close to a non-factor in the playoffs. In the first round, Nurse only managed to get 3 assists across six games, that is simply not enough production from a top 4 defenseman who is playing heavy minutes for the Oilers.
Nurse has to use his strong skating ability, physicality and offensive instincts to make him a more valuable asset on both ends of the ice. He has to play at a high level and contribute both offensively and defensively, as it will be a significant factor in the Oiler’s success in the playoffs. It’s important to note that hockey is a team sport, and the Oilers will need all of their players to step up and contribute in order to achieve sustained success in the playoffs.
If Nurse cannot contribute as a scorer, every Oiler fan begs him to not miss any of his defensive assignments, as any mental defensive lapse in the playoffs will cause the team in that game and maybe the series. For a player pegged by the team to be a cornerstone defenseman, Nurse has to be able to minimize his mistakes in their own end if the team wishes to move forward to the Western Conference Finals.
D Cody Ceci
Cody Ceci will need to step up and contribute for the Oilers in the playoffs. While he may not have the offensive skills and production of Darnell Nurse, he needs to bring other important qualities to the team, such as his physicality and defensive abilities. Ceci only contributed a single assist in the first round, and there were times when his defensive play was not up to par. He had a few defensive miscues and turnovers, so he will need to focus on tightening up his play and making smart decisions with the puck. As a defenseman, his primary responsibility is to defend his own end and prevent the opposition from scoring.
If Ceci wants to help the Oilers in the playoffs, he will need to focus on improving his defensive play and reducing the number of mistakes he makes in his own end. This includes making smart decisions with the puck, positioning himself well, and using his physicality to win battles along the boards and in front of the net.
It’s important to remember that mistakes happen in hockey, and no player is perfect. However, it’s important for players like Ceci to learn from their mistakes and continue to work on improving their game. If he can do that, he can be a valuable contributor to the Oilers in the playoffs.