Frustrations had been clearly working excessive for the Oilers. With only one aim from Corey Perry in Sport 3 and simply two targets from outdoors their high six in Video games 1 and a pair of, it is clear Edmonton’s depth must step up. With that being mentioned, listed here are 5 gamers that want to indicate up if the Oilers wish to come again.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, ahead
Nugent-Hopkins is at present fourth on the Oilers in scoring this postseason however hasn’t managed to safe a degree within the Finals and is a -3 to date. The previous primary general decide has been a giant a part of Edmonton’s high line with Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, which has an anticipated targets proportion of 56% within the playoffs, based on MoneyPuck.
If the Oilers wish to win the Cup, they’re going to want Nugent-Hopkins to start out producing once more, particularly with winger Zach Hyman out for the postseason with harm.
Darnell Nurse, defenseman
Nurse has the third highest common ice time for the Oilers within the postseason however hasn’t put up as many factors as Edmonton would need. He hasn’t scored a aim since Sport 2 in opposition to Vegas and has no factors in his final seven video games.
Whereas Nurse is not essentially anticipated to supply like fellow defender Evan Bouchard, he performs a giant position of their high 4 protection. The Oilers will want one among their longest tenured gamers to have a giant Sport 4 to assist spark a comeback.
Trent Frederic, ahead
Frederic was one among Edmonton’s acquisitions on the commerce deadline, including wanted grit and depth to its ahead group. The previous 18-goal, 40-point scorer hasn’t had a lot success for the Oilers within the playoffs, scoring only one aim and including three assists. These 4 factors rank 13th out of 14 forwards for Edmonton.
Frederic additionally has simply 10 hits this sequence. If the Oilers wish to counter the Panthers’ bodily play, they’re going to want Frederic to make use of his 6’3″ 221 pound body to spark some offense.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, forwards
Whereas it could appear unusual to see McDavid and Draisaitl, who lead the playoffs with 31 and 29 factors, respectively, on this listing, it is clear the Oilers go the way in which of their superstars. McDavid does have 5 assists within the sequence, together with this spotlight reel one.
