GDB +5.0 Wrap Up: The floodgates finally open for the Oilers and the Kings are now on the brink of elimination
11 months ago
Playoff wins are what we like, play La Bamba baby.
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Tuesday night’s win was the first in the series which can be described as “comfortable.” Moreover, the Oilers have taken a 3-2 series lead. Let’s look at the Oilersnation’s player of the game, as well as things worth mentioning.
PRESENTED BY BETWAY
Oilersnation’s player of the game: Nick Bjugstad
When I heard that the Oilers were trading Michael Kesselring and a pick to the Arizona Coyotes for Nick Bjugstad, I was ecstatic. The right-shot centre scored 13 goals and had 23 points in the 59 games he played before coming to Edmonton. In his 19 games in the regular season as an Oiler, he had four goals and 6 points, not bad.
The tall drink of water scored two goals in Game 5, his first multi-goal game in a playoff series. He also had six hits, tied for an Oiler high. He was promoted to the second line with Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a line that played very well.
I hope Edmonton will re-sign Bjugstad, as he’s a great penalty killer, he can chip in with goals, and he’s excellent in the faceoff dot.
Things worth mentioning…
Zach Hyman scored his second goal of the series, this time off the face to make it a 5-2 lead. He was around the net all night and was even credited with Bjugstad’s second goal for quite a bit of time! Furthermore, he was tied with Bjugstad for the lead in hits.
Leon Draisaitl scored again, which was to be expected. He now has 10 points in the series (two points per game), and has been the best player on the ice the entire series for either team. In Game 4, he was placed on a line with Connor McDavid, which is ideal.
Evander Kane had a poor Game 1, but he’s been great since the series opener. On Tuesday evening, he scored his third goal of the series, which gives him four points in the five games. Once again, he took no dumb penalties.
13 different Oilers registered at least one point Tuesday evening. The only players that didn’t were Philip Broberg, Vincent Desharnais, Klim Kostin, Kailer Yamamoto, and Derek Ryan. Although, Ryan was all over the place and had a very sound game.
Brett Kulak continues to play well in this series. He added his first career playoff goal, but he’s jumped up in a ton of rushes so far this series showing off his great speed. He’s a great third-pair defenceman, and it appears he always shows up in the playoffs.
Connor McDavid added two assists, bringing his playoff total to seven points. Just wait until he gets going, as the Oilers will finally be firing on all cylinders.
Stuart Skinner bounced back in Game 5, allowing three goals on 28 shots. While the .893 save percentage on the night didn’t look great, he settled down after the first period and made some big saves to keep the lead. There’s no doubt in my mind he will start Game 6.
Speaking of Game 6, the Oilers will have the next three days off due to other arrangements at the Staples Centre (I refuse to call it by its actual name). It’s important that they come out hard in that game, as they have a chance to finish off the Kings.
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