The Edmonton Oilers depth is rich in skill
I watched the most recent Edmonton Oilers game and was somewhat discouraged by the effort the team put in to win the contest against the Vancouver Canucks. It was an incredibly competitive game and fun to watch.
Most importantly, the two teams scored, and a spectacular overtime thriller took the stage. The Oilers had a good combination of lines playing throughout the match that the team needed to capitalize on. But they managed to get denied by the Canucks goaltender.
The gameplay was fast to the advantage of both teams, and the physicality took shape. The goal-scoring was sneaky for both teams as well. The Oilers defenders need to be more aware of the on-ice presence as the Vancouver Canucks forward had eluded the three defenders whose eyes were on just the two forwards in the defensive zone to score the goal.
The combination of lines throughout the lineup was spectacular to watch. Still, here, the team did not get it going because it was preseason action, and they needed to get the players acquainted with each other.
I would have loved to see the high-octane offense click, but the team played a solid game. The goal by Corey Perry demonstrated the need for him on the Oilers' roster to get the team back in games when down.
Ben Gleason scored the second goal by the Edmonton Oilers line combination of Connor McDavid and Victor Arvidsson. That type of duo or line will be the one to watch as the season progresses. I believe this will be the go-to line with the addition of Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman when the team is down in a high-stakes game.
The Edmonton Oilers have the depth on the team that will win them games with an all-around effort of the team combined and it will play into their advantage come playoffs. There are options for the team to work with, and given that they have the players, picks, and assets to engage with, this team is going all-in to win.
We must wait and see where the team moves from here and takes shape in the season.