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Game 3: Ducks @ Oilers - Starting Strong

October 19, 2021, 12:07 PM ET [31 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Some have said that a season cannot be won in October but it can be lost. I'm not sure that's entirely true but the Oilers have put a strong foot forward in their first two games and their early schedule continues to favor the team. Tonight Edmonton will take on the Ducks who are playing their second of back to back games, followed by a road trip to play the poor Coyotes and Golden Knights who are dealing with some key injuries. If the Oilers can continue to improve and play smart hockey a 5-0 start isn't impossible. In order to even consider that the team needs to focus on the game in front of them tonight. Here are five things to pay attention to tonight against the Ducks.

1) Eakins Returns: Its crazy to think that tonight marks the first time that Dallas Eakins will return to Edmonton since being fired back in 2014. Eakins served as coach of the Oilers in 13/14 and the start of the 14/15 season before being relieved. The Eakins period was a rough one for Edmonton as fans still shudder anytime they hear the word "swarm."

2) Ducks Future On Display: Oilers fans will get their first chance at seeing some Ducks players they will likely become very acquainted with over the next decade. Zegras, Drysdale, Lundstrom, Terry, Comtois and more represent the future of this franchise and there is some real skill there. The Oilers have the edge in experience and they need to use it tonight whole avoiding any key mistakes for these young players to cash in on.

3) Stolarz Startz: Last night Anaheim played Gibson in an OT victory so it seems likely that the former Oiler will get the start tonight. Stolarz played strong in the loss to the Wild with a 0.953Sv% and 41 saves on 43 shots.

4) Disciplined Hockey: Edmonton got into some bad penalty trouble against the Flames and while their PK came up big that is not a recipe for success long term. Kailer Yamamoto in particular was called out by his coach for getting his stick in just a bit too much. Tonight we will see if Yammer was listening.

5) Blueline Offense: We are in the early stages but we haven't seen enough production yet from the blueline. Tyson Barrie is an obvious pick who has not played well yet or gotten enough shots on net but the same could be said for guys like Keith and even Bouchard to a degree. Anaheim has a number of potent weapons on the backend and Edmonton needs to match them.
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