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Final Score: Oilers 4 – Red Wings 3
The end may have added a few more beads than should have been necessary, but really, tonight was just an excellent evening of hockey for the Edmonton Oilers. Wrapped tightly and heavily around the few mental lapses that lead to goals against, was a plethora of dominating hockey courtesy of the Edmonton Oilers. Considering it was against the Detroit Red Wings, the game did feel a tad bit strange (still not used to the orange and blue outplaying the red and white), but more than anything, it represented the shifting landscape of today’s NHL. The Detroit Red Wings will miss the playoffs for the first time in 25 years, while the Oilers will make it for the first time in 11.
The tables have turned.
There are more than a few areas of praise for the tilt tonight. One of my favourite things in tonight’s game, and it has been a present feature in many of the Oilers games this year, was that Edmonton didn’t just beat the Wings on the scoreboard, they beat them with the body as well. I praised the Oilers following the Blue game for their willingness and focus on finishing every check and wearing down the other team. They continued that process tonight. The Oilers were all over the Red Wings with physicality for most of the night, and the highlight of that hard work can be seen below. It cannot be said enough how important finishing checks is in the playoffs.
Benched by Hendo. #DETvsEDM pic.twitter.com/yZ05datSxW
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 5, 2017
As is usually the case, the efforts exhibited on the forecheck and back check, spoke loudly for the energy and efforts of all other parts of the game. Particularly impressive was the work of the forwards.
McDavid dazzled, as he so often does, with this gem of a goal to kick things off:
Another look? You got it. #DETvsEDM pic.twitter.com/sY39bwQKeu
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 5, 2017
Following that, the rest of the team would go on to out peddle, out work, and ultimately control Detroit through the first 40, with the shot clock reading 28-12 for home team. Maroon would score the game winner in the 3rd to solidify the results of that top line for the night, while Eberle would continue his little streak with a backhander of his own.
We had thought that Larsson scored to give the Oilers a lead late in the 1st, but that would later be changed to Kassian. That goal came as a direct result of a *gasp* face-off win by newbie David Desharnais in his first game with the Oilers. Those two, slotted in with Caggiula, had a tremendous game, acting as a pulse for the team that was consistent throughout every one of their shift. That goal late in the first would be the only one for them, but they certainly deserved more.
If not for some brilliant netminding by Peter Mrazek, the scoreboard would have reflected a final much closer to the reality of the game.
On the backend, Edmonton played well, and if not for the few brain cramps that lead to Detroit’s goals (ex. Larsson’s missed coverage on Det’s first goal), tonight’s game would have been a real shining star for all 6 guys. Still, even with the mistakes, there was a good amount of positivity here. Darnell Nurse looked excellent getting close to 20 minutes of ice time, and Adam Larsson grabbed himself a pair of assists. The squad holding Detroit to only 5 shots in the 2nd was crucial considering the Oilers were then able to enter the 3rd period up by 1. The Oilers have been great all year when leading after 40.
Strange stat of the night: Only 4 hits were recorded for all 6 guys on the defence. It was the forwards who brought the body tonight.
Tough to blame Talbot on at least 2 of the goals, but on a not when he got a good amount of run support, the level of his play was not the focus. He ended the night with 22 saves and an .880 save percentage.
Oilers Players of the Game
I am giving this honour tonight to the entire 3rd line. Kassian, Caggiula, and the new guy were excellent all night long, constantly gunning down the Red Wings and getting in their face, and they had a goal to show for it. The trio managed 6 hits (5 from Kassian!) and 8 shots, while showing an encouraging amount of creativity and chemistry.
From what was shown tonight, there is a bit reason to be excited about these 3 going forward.
Other Highlights
This line is heating up! 🔥 #DETvsEDM pic.twitter.com/22XB8vjOBq
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 5, 2017
#Oilers up 2-1 on @zkassian9's deflection. #DETvsEDM pic.twitter.com/TKuOtcUN58
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 5, 2017
Next: Doug Weight Makes A Visit
Doug Weight and his Islanders make their way to Rogers Place for a game on Tuesday night. The Islanders are currently fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot so expect a very spirited contest.]]>
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