Frustrations had been clearly operating excessive for the Oilers. With only one aim from Corey Perry in Recreation 3 and simply two targets from outdoors their prime six in Video games 1 and a pair of, it is clear Edmonton’s depth must step up. With that being mentioned, listed here are 5 gamers that want to point out up if the Oilers need to come again.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, ahead
Nugent-Hopkins is at present fourth on the Oilers in scoring this postseason however hasn’t managed to safe some extent within the Finals and is a -3 up to now. The previous primary total decide has been an enormous a part of Edmonton’s prime line with Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, which has an anticipated targets proportion of 56% within the playoffs, in line with MoneyPuck.
If the Oilers need to win the Cup, they will want Nugent-Hopkins to start out producing once more, particularly with winger Zach Hyman out for the postseason with damage.
Darnell Nurse, defenseman
Nurse has the third highest common ice time for the Oilers within the postseason however hasn’t put up as many factors as Edmonton would need. He hasn’t scored a aim since Recreation 2 towards Vegas and has no factors in his final seven video games.
Whereas Nurse is not essentially anticipated to supply like fellow defender Evan Bouchard, he performs an enormous function of their prime 4 protection. The Oilers will want considered one of their longest tenured gamers to have an enormous Recreation 4 to assist spark a comeback.
Trent Frederic, ahead
Frederic was considered one of Edmonton’s acquisitions on the commerce deadline, including wanted grit and depth to its ahead group. The previous 18-goal, 40-point scorer hasn’t had a lot success for the Oilers within the playoffs, scoring only one aim and including three assists. These 4 factors rank thirteenth out of 14 forwards for Edmonton.
Frederic additionally has simply 10 hits this sequence. If the Oilers need to counter the Panthers’ bodily play, they will want Frederic to make use of his 6’3″ 221 pound body to spark some offense.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, forwards
Whereas it might appear unusual to see McDavid and Draisaitl, who lead the playoffs with 31 and 29 factors, respectively, on this checklist, it is clear the Oilers go the way in which of their superstars. McDavid does have 5 assists within the sequence, together with this spotlight reel one.
