Oilers vs. Devils Postgame
We all knew that this day was coming. The dreaded bump into the Ex. Oh how badly it sucks. Especially when it isn’t an Ex that you’re angry at (Chris Pronger) or an Ex that you’re apathetic towards post break-up (David Perron). No, this Ex we care about, and the inevitable run-in would come close to home. Sure, the Oilers met Hallsy in New Jersey just last week, but tonight was the one we all had circled in our calendars. Hall had returned to Edmonton, and we would all be here to see him through it.
No amount of liquor or mental avoidance could stop the gut punching feeling that was guaranteed. The question was, could the Oilers, with their Ex on the other side of the benches, find a way to get a victory and secure themselves a very important 2 points? Let’s take a look.
1st Period
- I can’t imagine what it’s like to play against the line of McDavid, Maroon, and Draisaitl. If you aren’t being turnstile’d by Connor or pick pocketed by Draisaitl, you have to deal with the physicality of Maroon. That is in addition to the bevy of intelligent plays that are made routinely. What a task.
- Larsson must have understood the circumstances of this game quite well, as he looked very good to start the game. He was providing some offensive help too, which is always a bonus.
- The Hall tribute was very touching (a punch to the gut as well) and bravo to the fans in attendance for giving him a standing ovation. Much deserved Taylor.
- The Oilers had a lot of zone time thanks to 2 Power Plays, but not much of anything dangerous halfway through the 1st.
- One thing I notice with Patrick Maroon is that he is effective at scoring because he isn’t afraid to shoot. More players on the team could benefit from having a little less hesitation in their game.
- After a successful penalty kill, the Oilers would give up a late one to the Devils to make the game 1-0. Ineffective coverage by Davidson in front would be the culprit.
- Some much needed emotion was displayed at the end of the game with both Nuge and Russell mixing it up at a bit. In order to have success, that emotion would have to be carried into the final 40.
The Oilers didn’t necessarily deserve to be winning after 20, seeing as they didn’t produce a lot of dangerous chances; however, the Devils certainly didn’t deserve to be in front.
It was a rather quiet period with the shot clock reading only 9-4 in favour of the Oilers. The highlight, more than anything, was the fan’s embrace of Hall.
2nd Period
- Well that is the way to start a period! Andrej Sekera, in the midst of a blistering campaign, was able to find the twine just 16 seconds in. That is his 5th on the season. Draisaitl and Larsson with the helpers.
Sneaky five-hole snipe! 🎯 #NJDvsEDM pic.twitter.com/x0sZ1O741o
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 13, 2017
- The Oilers had a very good looking penalty kill early on when Larsson took 2 minutes for roughing. The offensive struggle in New Jersey is real.
- Halfway through the game and so far the Caggiula, Lucic, Slepyshev line has looked pretty effective. I quite enjoy Slepyshev as a player and his tenacity pairs well with that of his line mates. I hope he sticks with the club.
- Total shots at the halfway mark were 17-6 for Edmonton.
- Backchecking a streaking McDavid is no say small task. Hall was able to do so, disrupting #97 on a near 2 on 1. Exceptional speed by the left winger.
- The Devils, just like the 1st, found a way to score late in the period, and regained the lead 2-1. Unlucky bounce for the Oilers, as Hall banked it off his teammate in front.
Once again, the Devils came out of a period with a lead that they really had no business holding. The difference after 40 is that the Oilers were much better in the period, outshooting and out chancing New Jersey by a large margin. They should have been in front.
Edmonton would just need to keep their level of play up in the 3rd and a win would be more than within reach.
3rd Period
- Woah. A big scuffle involving Hall and Kassian after a -upon further reflection- dirty elbow by Hall. In retaliation, Kassian got just as cheap of a shot at Hall, tagging him with a couple gloveless punches that Taylor wanted no part of. Somehow, the Oilers actually ended up on the Power Play from the sequence. They would be unable to convert on the man advantage.
- So many shots just missing the nets through the first half of the period. The game story so far would be a lot different if just a few of those were able to find the net.
- Patrick Maroon!!!!!! The big winger comes up clutch once more! He stands firm in front and is able to knock in his 17th goal of the season with McDavid and Draisaitl getting the assists. What a line! 2-2 game. That is Maroon’s 16th goal at even strength. Fantastic production.
Patrick Maroon now has 25 goals in 60 games as a member of the #Oilers
He had 26 goals in 204 games with the Ducks
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) January 13, 2017
- Maroon would come very close to getting his 2nd of the night with 4 minutes to play. Huge stop by Schneider. My oh my.
- This one, just like the one in New Jersey, was headed to overtime. Final shots in regulation, 30-17 Edmonton.
Overtime
- The Oilers just about win it twice to start the extra frame on beautiful chances from McDavid and Sekera.
- It wouldn’t matter as just a minute later the German Beauty Draisaitl was able to bury a beautiful feed from McDavid to win it! Gorgeous play, gorgeous finish. That is Draisaitl’s 3rd point of the night!
McDavid sets up Draisaitl to lift the @EdmontonOilers over the @NJDevils in OT. @SUBWAYCanada pic.twitter.com/QCvLE2jMcd
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 13, 2017
Final Score: Oilers 3 – Devils 2 (OT)
Postgame Thoughts
The Oilers deserved to win that game and even though it looked a little scary after the 2nd period, Edmonton was able to find a way to tie it in the 3rd and end it in overtime. That, ladies and gentleman, was a much needed win on home ice.
Similar to the first meeting against the Devils, the Oilers hammered New Jersey with a number of shots, while at the same time taking very little in return. The Devils don’t have much offensively outside of Taylor Hall, but credit where credit is due, the defence of the Oilers played a very solid game. They got their sticks in the shooting lanes, kept chances to the outside, remained physical throughout, and were able to clamp down big time in the 3rd, holding the Devils to only 4 shots.
Especially standing out on the backend was Kris Russell. It seemed like every time the puck touched his stick, he was standing out in a good way. Russell found himself moving the puck well, shimmying and shaking at the blue line and playing really well in his own end. He seemed like he was really enjoying himself out there tonight, and it was a joy to watch. Props to Larsson on a good game as well.
On the other end of the ice, the offence had plenty of o-zone time, and had more than enough shots to win this thing in regulation. The only criticism that could be levelled their way is a failure to convert some of their regular chances into dangerous opportunities. More than a few missed nets and questionable pass/shoot decisions could have cost this team a very winnable game. Thankfully, it didn’t and so for now, it doesn’t matter.
The Oilers top line continues to look like one of the very best in the league. This has been a ride that is a blast to watch. The other lines need to pick it up ASAP though. I am sure that the top line would love the support.
On a side note, Khaira and Slepyshev both looked good tonight. Much improved on the men that they replaced in Hendricks and Lander. Let’s hope McLellan runs them against Calgary as well.
Talbot played good enough to win tonight, with a bit of bad luck on the Devils’ second goal.
Regarding Hall, I hope that no matter where Taylor’s path eventually leads, he finds the success that we in Edmonton know he deserves. When Hall finally gets to the playoffs, I know that may of us will be cheering like hell for him. Let’s hope for his sake that it is one day soon.
Player of the Game
Leon Draisaitl takes the honour after a really impressive game. 2 assists and the GWG in overtime to cap a night in which he outplayed his former line mate from just a year ago.
Many had doubted Leon’s ability to produce without Hall after the trade but he has shown throughout the season that he most definitely can. Even when playing with McDavid, it is often Leon that demonstrates his own remarkable play making ability to help drive the play.
This is the player that we had all hoped for at the 2014 draft. So much fun to watch him dominate.
Up Next: Battle of Alberta!
The Oilers will take on the Calgary Flames next on Saturday night in Edmonton. Get your beer ready, get your chirps ready, and get your nerves ready because this one is going to be intense.
How long has it been since a meaningful game between the Flames and the Oilers this late in the season? A long damn time. This will be must see television. I can’t wait.
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