The Edmonton Oilers started 2017-18 with a win then four consecutive losses and seemingly that’s when it became cool to hate on them. Starting this season 0 for two brought out the Chicken Little in much of the fan base. Really if you gave them a chance to win in Boston after traveling from Sweden, your not so much Chicken Little as unrealistic. Since then the boys have an afternoon game, I’ll repeat that folks cause it doesn’t happen often, the boys won an afternoon game. Tuesday night the Oilers evened their at record at 2-and-2 by orchestrating a 3-goal comeback. This team is playoff bound but it does need to work on the following graphic:
1st PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS
When @cmcdavid97 is at top speed… GOOD. LUCK. pic.twitter.com/inKQJAcnp6
— NHL (@NHL) October 17, 2020
1st PERIOD THOUGHTS
Cam Talbot had to make 2 saves in the first 18 seconds. Adam Lowry having his way with Matt Benning and Jason Garrison. Patrik Laine I can understand but Lowry who had of all 7 goals last season scoring two in the first 7:47 of the game…I need a tums.
At the 10-minute mark shots were 10 - 2 in favour of Winnipeg. The only time I’ve heard Leon Draisaitl’s name was when he was trying (and failing) to desperately stop the Jets from scoring.
The only time I’ve heard Jesse Puljujarvi name was when Laine awkwardly try to hit. This isn’t going well.
The powerplay legitimately looked like a top 5 powerplay. Wasn’t done celebrating the goal before the Jets made it 3-1.
Jujhar Khaira with a scoring chance. Sportsnet doesn’t bother to show the replay. Even they are Connor McDavid or nothing. Going into the last minute penalty kill, the Oilers had tied the game in shots on goal. One would dare say, they carried the play after the Jets took the 2-goal lead. On the penalty kill Adam Larsson shows Garrison and Benning how to play defence against Lowry.
2nd PERIOD THOUGHTS
Call a spade a spade, that was a nice goal by Mark Scheifele. The PK had looked good til then.
We have seen some nice defensive plays. Kyle Brodziak when the the 4th line was hemmed in their own zone was a tower of stability.
Milan Lucic with an offensive zone high sticking penalty. Sure it was an accident but those are coach killing mistakes. Laine is fun to watch. Talbot making multiple saves against is even more fun to watch. Penalty killed.
They have moved Draisaitl to the first line. Makes sense, Brodziak has had the better period. That is equal parts a shot at Draisaitl and a compliment to the Oilers 4th line. Ty Rattie double shifted to get back on line with McDavid. Coach obviously believes in Rattie.
Benning and Garrison seeing very limited ice time. What was noticed was how strong Larsson is in his own zone. Oscar Klefbom has been everywhere and creating havoc in the correct zone. Darnell Nurse is maturing right before our eyes. Hmmmm, there’s hope people.
3rd PERIOD HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy this goal replay in its en-Ty Rattie. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/3bxXSsbSu2
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 17, 2020
Record-setting rebound tally! #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/IWnfhsdeiw
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 17, 2020
PULJUUU! 😋🚨 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/1lTJaeA0o7
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 17, 2020
Cam Talbot keeps the game tied at four! #oilers pic.twitter.com/Lx1e2DmMVd
— OilersNation.com (@OilersNation) October 17, 2020
3RD PERIOD THOUGHTS
Was that a pass by McDavid? Nah he fanned on the shot and Rattie makes no mistake. Finally we are the team to score in the first minute instead of being scored on. I like this feeling.
Drake Caggiula draws a penalty. At the very least that’s what the Oil need from him. He doesn’t need to bring Zack Kassian 2015-16 type energy, he just needs to create opportunities for our PP. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins hits the post, McDavid buries it. Only down by 1 now.
Puljujarvi sets up Draisaitl nicely. More of this please. Lucic going wide with the puck and setting up a scoring. Yip, more of this also.
Lucic with his 2nd penalty whilst in the offensive zone. There are no nice words. Draisaitl with the partial breakaway/delayed 2-on-1…shoot young man, shoot! Tobias Rieder is a good penalty killer.
Puljujarvi a shift with Nuge and McJesus. Kid scores his first goal of the season. After an invisible first period, he deserved this opportunity. Russell with the fumble, Tanev with the breakaway, Talbot with his 16th save in a row after the Jets scored 4 on their first 15.
OVERTIME HIGHLIGHTS
SOMEBODY CALL A DOCTOR! @EASPORTSNHL #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/nNT8qfQI7O
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 17, 2020
BENCH REACTION DOT GIF! #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/LQx9tJmA2O
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 17, 2020