In Game 1 I don't know what team showed up to play but it certainly wasn't the Edmonton Oilers. In past years that would have been the case; the Oilers were a team that would on some nights look like a Stanley Cup contender and on other nights look completely lost and in over their heads. In Game 2 the real Edmonton Oilers came to play and it was the Vegas Golden Knights turn to look completely lost and out of their depth.

Shots were 19-4 after the first period and the score 4-0. Let's talk about the power play first. The Oilers finished the game 3/6 on the power play which ironically made their overall power play numbers go down. The Oilers power play is not only the best power play in these playoffs or through the whole season, this is arguably the best power play of all time. Cynics will try and say the Oilers rely on their power play. The fact is it's just another weapon in their tool belt. The Oilers real weapon is how well the Oilers control play at 5 on 5 and their possession game which forced the Golden Knights to take penalties to try and slow them down.

Leon Draisaitl continued his torrid pace notching his 12th and 13th goals of the playoffs. Draisaitl is 6 goals away from tying the all time playoff goal record... and the Oilers are still only in the second round of the playoffs. McDavid is still playing great but is clearly playing through some bumps and bruises and isn't 100%. Draisaitl is the player who is playing like the best player in the world right now. Should the Oilers make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, he is absolutely worthy of the Conn Smythe.

It's great that Derek Ryan is back because the third line just seems to click so much better with him. Shots were 4-1 with that line against the Golden Knights. That's particularly impressive considering the centre they played the most against at 5 on 5 was Jack Eichel.

Vegas also had to switch from Laurent Brossoit to Adin Hill partway through the game. Skinner and Brossoit both looked very beatable in Game 1 but Skinner was the goalie that came back strong in game 2. Will Vegas go to Brossoit again or Hill in Game 3. That is a tough thing to have in the back of the mind of the Golden Knights players.

Now the Oilers return home to Edmonton with the series tied. If Edmonton plays the way they did in Game 2 it will be hard pressed for Vegas to match. That being said the Oilers were dominated in Game 1 and regrouped and came back better than ever in Game 2. Edmonton needs to expect that Vegas is going to come out the same way in Game 3.

Thanks for reading.

Join the Discussion: » 30 Comments » Post New Comment

» Game 82

» The Games Don't Matter

» Oilers vs Team Eviction - Coyotes Come To A Merciful End

» Holloway Must Stay In The Lineup

» Oilers vs Golden Knights - McDavid Injured