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3 major takeaways from Edmonton Oilers' win in preseason game vs Seattle Kraken
The Edmonton Oilers edged the Seattle Kraken 5-4 on Saturday night at Rogers Place. The Oilers came from behind to squeak out a much-needed win.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Noah Philp, Mattias Ekholm, Vasily Podkolzin and Raphael Lavoie scored for Edmonton, while Jacob Melanson, Eduard Sale, Ben Meyers and John Hayden netted for the Kraken.
On that note, here’s a look at the three major takeaways from the Edmonton Oilers' preseason win over the Seattle Kraken:
Three major takeaways from Edmonton Oilers' preseason win vs Seattle Kraken
#3 The Oilers’ blueline contributed offensively
In previous games this preseason, the Edmonton Oilers’ blueline had been quiet on the scoresheet, but that changed against the Kraken. Mattias Ekholm had one goal and two assists; Evan Bouchard added a helper, while PTO invitee Travis Dermott had three shots on goal.
Overall, the offensive boost from the Oilers’ blue line is a welcome addition, as the club needs secondary scoring behind stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
In particular, getting three points from Ekholm is more than welcome, as the club cannot rely solely on Bouchard to provide offensive support from the backend. The effort earned Ekholm the game’s first star.
#2 The goaltending wasn’t quite as good as expected
Olivier Rodrigue and Calvin Pickard combined to stop 26 shots. While that was good enough for the win, it wasn’t quite up to the level expected. Both Rodrigue and Pickard are vying for the backup role behind starter Stuart Skinner. As such, both netminders need to prove that they are capable of handling NHL action.
However, Saturday night’s performance may cast doubt on either goalie’s ability to hold their own. Overall, the backup job seems to be Pickard’s to lose, but given the circumstances, the Oilers may want to reassess the situation as training camp draws to a close.
#1 The comeback win was big for the Oilers
The Oilers entered the third period down 4-3. But a short-handed goal from Podklzin and the game-winner from Lavoie late in the third gave them a much-needed shot in the arm.
The comeback win was big, as it helped boost the Oilers’ confidence after a tough start to the preseason. It’s also worth pointing out that PTO invitee Mike Hoffman added two assists, including one on Lavoie’s game-winner.
A productive Hoffman seems perfect at this moment, considering that Evander Kane may miss a significant chunk of the season. So, Hoffman could step in and fill the void left by Kane’s absence.
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