NHL · 1 year ago

5 Things We Learned About the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1

Grant White

Host · Writer

Edmonton Might be Exhausting Its Puck Luck
After witnessing some of the goals that we did in the first round, you can't help but think the Oilers are exhausting their puck luck. Whether it was a lucky bounce off the pants, a funny deflection by a Kings player, or just a flattering review angle, the Oilers may have gotten lucky on a few goals in Round 1.

This isn't to say that Edmonton wasn't the superior team because they were. As we saw earlier in the year, when the scoring well runs dry, the Oilers can do nothing to replenish its sources. It might not happen next round, but the higher the Oilers' PDO climbs, the more likely they fall flat on their faces.

With Edmonton's shooting and save percentage inching above average, we could see their puck luck start to run out sooner rather than later.
The Edmonton Oilers Finally Have Depth Scoring
For too many lean years, the Edmonton Oilers relied almost exclusively on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to drive scoring. They follow their most convincing playoff win in recent memory, flush with scorers who can find the back of the net.

Ten different players tallied a goal versus the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round, with timely scoring coming from some unsuspecting sources. Dylan Holloway has been a game-changing force in the bottom six, recording two goals in a limited role with the Oilers. Likewise, Adam Henrique and Warren Foegele filled a void they aren't typically expected to fill.

Combined with the usual efforts from Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and a rejuvenated effort from Evander Kane, the Oilers can continue to flourish offensively in Round 2.
Evan Bouchard is the Man and Everyone Should Know It
Throughout those same lean scoring years, the Oilers desperately needed an elite rearguard who could serve as the primary puck-moving defenseman. They finally have that in Evan Bouchard and are riding the former first-round pick to playoff glory.

It may have taken a few extra years of development, but Bouchard does everything right. He makes good first passes out of the zone, makes timely jumps into the rush, and is the lynchpin on the Oilers' powerplay. Against the Kings, Bouchard totaled one goal, eight assists, and 16 shots on goal, averaging north of 22 minutes per game without compromising defensive integrity. Bouchard ranked third on the team in blocked shots and finished the opening round with a +3 rating.

The absence of an elite blueliner was a limiting factor for the Oilers, but not anymore. Bouchard will continue to be an x-factor irrespective of second-round opponent.
This is the Oilers Best Defensive Corps Ever
As much as Bouchard means to the Oilers, they wouldn't be onto the second round without their stable of blueliners. Edmonton has spent the past few seasons cultivating the defensemen, and now it's time to reap the rewards.

Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, and Vincent Desharnais developed on different paths through the Oilers system. Over the past few years, they've been joined by Cody Ceci, Brett Kulak, and finally, Mattias Ekholm last year. Everyone fulfills a much-needed role on the team, enjoying varying success of offensive contributions.

Desharnais was the only rearguard not to record a point against the Kings, but he still managed the second-most block shots while averaging the second-fewest minutes among defensemen. Everyone is willing to do what it takes to win, and the Oilers are better because of it.

Not to overstate things, but this is the most defensive depth the Oilers have had in decades.
Stuart Skinner has Grown
The unforgiving Oilers fans were ready to burn it to the ground after Stuart Skinner's disappointing showing in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Skinner gave up three or more goals in all but three of his 12 starts, getting pulled in three of his last four starts against the Vegas Golden Knights. Consequently, he ended the postseason with an awful 3.68 goals against average and an even more disappointing 88.3% save percentage.

That starkly contrasts what we witnessed from Skinner in the first round of these playoffs. The Oilers netminder flashed a significantly improved 2.59 goals against average while bumping his save percentage by nearly 3.0%, up to 91.0%.

Last year's experience was necessary growth for the young goalie, and he stands on the other end, ready to backstop Edmonton to Stanley Cup glory.
Edmonton Might be Exhausting Its Puck Luck
After witnessing some of the goals that we did in the first round, you can't help but think the Oilers are exhausting their puck luck. Whether it was a lucky bounce off the pants, a funny deflection by a Kings player, or just a flattering review angle, the Oilers may have gotten lucky on a few goals in Round 1.

This isn't to say that Edmonton wasn't the superior team because they were. As we saw earlier in the year, when the scoring well runs dry, the Oilers can do nothing to replenish its sources. It might not happen next round, but the higher the Oilers' PDO climbs, the more likely they fall flat on their faces.

With Edmonton's shooting and save percentage inching above average, we could see their puck luck start to run out sooner rather than later.
The Edmonton Oilers Finally Have Depth Scoring
For too many lean years, the Edmonton Oilers relied almost exclusively on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to drive scoring. They follow their most convincing playoff win in recent memory, flush with scorers who can find the back of the net.

Ten different players tallied a goal versus the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round, with timely scoring coming from some unsuspecting sources. Dylan Holloway has been a game-changing force in the bottom six, recording two goals in a limited role with the Oilers. Likewise, Adam Henrique and Warren Foegele filled a void they aren't typically expected to fill.

Combined with the usual efforts from Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and a rejuvenated effort from Evander Kane, the Oilers can continue to flourish offensively in Round 2.

5 Things We Learned About the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1

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