The Edmonton Oilers are beginning to play with poise and attributes that come from working hard relentlessly on their game.
The first two periods of Wednesday night were gruelling and hard to watch. There was a lot of intensity attached to the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Seattle Kraken.
The intensity lasted throughout the contest, with both the Oilers and Kraken determined to win the game. The physicality and the gritty nature of the game provided promising signs from the Oilers roster.
The Oilers were sloppy at times, with the possibility at any moment that an error could cost them the game. The Oilers kept themselves in contention by playing hard, and were rewarded with a 4-3 win in overtime after battling back from two goals down.
Connor McDavid scored the first goal early in the second period and Evander Kane finished off the game with a natural hat-trick, scoring three goals in less than 10 minutes. The Oilers had their problems on the night with Joey Daccord, who played a stellar game between the pipes for the Seattle Kraken and looks like he has a future in Seattle.
Want your voice heard? Join the Oil On Whyte team!
The Kraken had come in with a good game plan, defending their zone and attacking accordingly by taking advantage of mistakes and turnovers by the Oilers. In the end however, the home team were able to stop making errors and play a better game.
The Edmonton Oilers are getting closer to playing their best hockey since last season. The players’ familiarity and good relationship with each other is helping to keep the balance and positivity within the team.
With three straight wins, the roster structured by general manager Ken Holland is now getting closer to firing on all cylinders. An example of this, is the captivating way the Oilers are capable of taking control in the opposing zone.
From this game, comes the observation the Edmonton Oilers are looking more like a team capable of making the playoffs. This should give fans encouragement to support this quest with more optimism.