Oilers Postgame: Making A Statement

Final Score: Oilers 4 – Sharks 2

*I apologize in advance for he hasty post game recap. Blame the common cold and the fact that this is a late game. The regular post game format will return for the weekend*

Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers made a significant statement.

Milan Lucic made a statement.

Oscar Klefbom made a statement.

Connor McDavid made a statement.

Cam Talbot made a statement.

The entire team, together, combined to send a powerful message to an injured Sharks team: don’t take this team lightly. The game, which started with the Oilers going down a goal only 6 minutes in, looked to be one that would not favour the Oilers. The Sharks, despite actually being outshot in the 1st period, dominated the opening frame, and looked completely tuned in for a victory. To compound matters worse for the Oilers, the referees appeared to be calling the game strictly in favour of the Sharks.

But if there is one thing that this Edmonton team has taught us all year, it is to not count them out. Very rarely do these boys decide to check out for an entire 60, and tonight would not be an exception. Following a massive hit by Milan Lucic, paired with a heavy fight, the Oilers looked to find a bit of life in their game.

It was that boosted momentum in their skates that would lead them to outshoot the Sharks 23-10 over the remaining 40 minutes. Even after Brent Burns put the Sharks up 2-1 in the 2nd, this team rallied once more in the 3rd to take the victory. It was an impressive win for the visitors filled with a ton of fight and heart. And who were the key cogs in Edmonton’s engine?

How about Milan Lucic, who lead the Oilers comeback with a natural hat trick in the 3rd. The big man is heating up big time now, with 5 points in his last 3 games. As the intensity of these games ramp up, Lucic seems to gain a ton more jump in his step. That is fantastic news.

Then there was Oscar Klefbom, who put together 24 minutes
of ice time, 5 shots on net, and, oh yeah, 4 assists. HIs performance screamed “number one defencemen”.

Connor McDavid was dangerous as always and thanks to his goal and assist, he is now only 3 points away from 100. His point per game streak sits at 12, as well.

Adam Larsson was his usual nasty self, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle continued to show well, Sekera played his usual effective game, and I thought Caggiula impressed with his passionate play.

And last, but certainly not least, Cam Talbot, the man who came wondering through an Edmonton desert that was deprived of sufficient goaltending and made it a rainforest, backstopped his way to a franchise record of 41 wins on the season. Take a bow Cam, you deserve it.

Overall, this game will prove to be crucially important to the mentality of this team. With the playoffs less than a week away, and the opponent lined up to be the Sharks, it was a nice pre-postseason message to send.

The Sharks may get Couture back, and they may get Thornton back as well, but if this Edmonton team keeps the foot on the gas pedal, that simply won’t matter.