Oilers Postgame: Weathering the Storm

Final Score: Oilers 3 – Sharks 2

Well, they certainly don’t all come wrapped in a pretty bow and a healthy lead in shots, but for an Oilers team that is fresh in the hunt for the Pacific Division crown, a win is a win. And with the added bonus of that victory coming against a potential playoff opponent, the victory is quite a bit sweeter.

Edmonton will no doubt take the 2 points and an open opportunity at grabbing sole possession of the Pacific on Saturday against the Ducks, but with some healthy “encouragement” from coach Todd McLellan, they will also get a few learning opportunities from this game.

With only 22 shots by the home team hitting the net, with 40 flying in on Talbot, and more than a few moments of Timbits hockey defence, a refresher in the level of play may be just what the Oilers need as they close out the season. It isn’t to say that there weren’t some positives tonight, as there were.

On the backend, Cam Talbot, despite facing the heavy slew of chances, was stellar in his crease making 38 saves for a .950 save percentage. In front of him, Darnell Nurse shined incredibly bright with excellent skating, creative engineering on the attack, and a level of play that inspires some very hopeful thoughts regarding his future on the blue line. Additionally, Adam Larsson was a physical menace, while Klefbom was able to chip in with an assist.

That assist that would come as the result of Connor McDavid’s team-leading 28th goal. After a very slow start in the first 10 minutes of the game, Edmonton’s top line would roar back and contribute to 2 of their even-strength goals, with Connor grabbing one while shorthanded. That trio, which is one of the very best in the league, was the best Oilers story on the night, along with Cam.

And overall, the fact that this team was able to buckle down against a good Sharks team and retain a 1 goal lead (and for a portion a 2 goal lead) for the final 40 minutes is impressive… even if it took a bit of luck and a strong goaltending performance.

Therefore, tonight’s tilt leaves an overall impression of mixed bag. Some definite positive moments, but a lot to improve, especially with playoffs looming, and a division title on the line.

Oilers Players of the Game

1. Cam Talbot: 38 saves. 950 save%. Outstanding in a game when the Oilers needed him to be.

2. Darnell Nurse: Contributed all night long with impressive skating, solid defence, and a “wow” moment or two. 3 shots on net and a hit.

Nifty Nurse. #SJSvsEDM pic.twitter.com/iz36j3Lnnf

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 31, 2017

10 Takeaways

1. Connor McDavid’s goal tonight was his first ever shorthanded goal in the NHL.

2. Want an encouraging sign for the playoffs? The fact that after being outshot 12-2 in the first 10 minutes (which maybe isn’t a great sign for the playoffs), the Oilers found a way to storm back in the first to the tune of 2 goals, and a shot clock that read 13-11. That late 1st period success didn’t translate to the rest of the game though…

3. Something that isn’t an encouraging sign for this team is the amount of time the Oilers spent running around in their own zone. The Oilers got outshot 14-6 in the second, and definitely gave up way too many high scoring chances-thanks for missing on the 2-0, Marleau! It will be worth noting to see if the Oilers can buck this level of play for Saturday.

4. The last Oilers player to score 30 goals in a season was Jordan Eberle in 2011-2012, with 34. This year, with Maroon at 27, Draisaitl at 27, and McDavid at 28, the Oilers could potentially have 3.

5. The Oilers only need 5 points in their final 5 games to get to 100 on the season. Think they can do it?

6. Drake Caggiula is looking much better at his natural left wing, and as a result has 5 points in his last 4 games. He nabbed an assist on Connor’s goal tonight, after ringing one of the post moment’s earlier.

7. In the Oilers last 11 games, the Oilers have gone 24-26 on the PK. A big reason for that? The return of Benoit Pouliot. San Jose did not score on either of their man-advantage opportunities tonight with Pouliot playing 1:37 shorthanded.

8. A big reason for the Sharks’ slide in the standings can be attributed to their recent goaltending. Martin Jones had a .864 save % tonight, and compiled a .857 and a .794 in his last 2. He will need to be much sharper if San Jose hopes to snap back into things.

9. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s point streaks now sit at 9(!) games.

10.

Pacific points on March 13:
SJ 89
Cgy 82
Ana 82
Edm 79

Today:
Ana 96
Edm 95
SJ 93
Cgy 90

— Reid Wilkins (@ReidWilkins) March 31, 2017

Oilers Highlights

Big Rig keeps on truckin'. #SJSvsEDM pic.twitter.com/51rKMqSdo8

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 31, 2017

ICYMI, Connor did Connor things. #SJSvsEDM pic.twitter.com/A1O6RCEpAT

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 31, 2017

Another look at Big Rig's tally. #SJSvsEDM pic.twitter.com/tBapDkBtLe

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 31, 2017

Up Next: Hockey Night in Canada, Again

And it’s a big one. Anaheim Ducks, 8 p.m. at Rogers, with the Pacific Division on the line. Ohhhhhh baby, buckle up for that one.