Edmonton Oilers Playoff Thoughts: Round 3, Game 5

Happy belated 9th Birthday, Ben Stelter. Tuesday night’s win was for you. We’re just one win away from a second straight Finals appearance. We always wish Ben were still with us and imagine how joyful he’d be to watch the Edmonton Oilers in these Playoff runs the last couple of years. A really nice gesture during the broadcast came after the 4-1 goal was scored. Chris Cuthbert and Craig Simpson didn’t utter another word; they just let the home crowd at Rogers Place speak for itself while the last 49 seconds of regulation were going down. The job is still far from done yet, but we’re getting there, and fans can’t help but have a good feeling.

Game 4 was the best that the Dallas Stars have looked all series long. Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t enough to return to their rink with a tie. They didn’t play like they could still have a chance, even if they lost; they’d played as if a loss there would’ve eliminated them. So, just imagine their desperation level being higher for this game, because a loss here will eliminate them. The Oilers weathered an early storm in the first period, and Jake Oettinger was solid in net for his team. With the Stars going back to playing in front of their fans now, they’ll be amped up to get themselves back in the series and not bow out. The keys to the game are…

Edmonton Oilers Thoughts

Next Man Up: When Kris Knoblauch revealed that Zach Hyman was having surgery and is most likely out for the rest of the Playoffs, I did the same things most other people did. I posted an emotional GIF on Twitter, then screamed into a pillow. This is such a massive blow that couldn’t come at a worse possible time, Connor Brown won’t be back in this series either. But the Oilers have had numerous players step up in these situations. Whether it be Calvin Pickard going 6-0 before his injury and Stuart Skinner coming back in great form, or the team’s defensemen, by committee, filling the void left by Mattias Ekholm’s absence, now it’s time for the forwards to meet their depth challenge. Someone who’s already in the lineup every game or someone who’s always a healthy scratch and waiting to finally have their opportunity to contribute.

Wyatt Riot: Stars forward Wyatt Johnston is on pace to have the worst +/- statistic in NHL Playoff history; he currently sits at -18. Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts Podcast pointed out that 6 of the goals he was on the ice for were empty netters. So take that stat with a grain of salt, I’ve never been the biggest +/- fan. You can’t and shouldn’t blame one singular player for every goal against, but I remember people poking fun at Darnell Nurse for having this exact same predicament last year. Johnston, at 22 years of age, is a great young player. Like Jason Robertson has, he needs to get some confidence going his way. Even in Game 1, where his team scored six goals, his name wasn’t even listed for a secondary assist. Speaking of Nurse, I also remember before Game 4 in Round 3 last year, he gave five-second answers and only one minute of the media’s time, because he was too distraught with the outside noise about his on-ice play. He then responded with his best game throughout that whole Playoff run. This year, before Game 4 on Tuesday, he spoke more confidently about everybody’s situation. Johnston needs to have a similar Nurse moment for his team.

Physical Fireworks: You don’t wish for it, but I think we’re all sort of expecting it. After Mason Marchment collided with Hyman, and the highlight of Evan Bouchard tapping Roope Hintz’s bad leg, some players who like to play with an edge may try to take more liberties in a really important Game 5. I hope the referees don’t let this one get out of hand. It’s weird to see both fan bases on social media, either laughing or hoping for an opposing player to get injured. I know we’re passionate and we want our teams to win, but just lighten up a little bit.