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Oilers vs Bruins - 2nd Period Adjustments |
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Edmonton won a close fought battle against the Stars on the weekend, followed by a dominating third period against the Coyotes. The issue is that in neither game was Edmonton the better team in the second period.
Going back another game, the 6-3 loss to the Blues, the Oilers have been outscored 9-3 in second periods in their last 3 games. It's a small sample size but certainly something that the team needs to clean up. The Oilers opponents are making adjustments in the second period and Edmonton is being caught flat footed over and over.
Over the past week or two, Edmonton has let a number of things slip in their own zone. Turnovers, getting caught out of position and other issues have bled into the game of the whole defensive group as a whole. Ceci has been one of the worst culprits of this but the whole group needs to improve. While another top 4 right shot defenseman to compliment the #1 RD they already have in Bouchard would be nice, a 5 man group committed to their own zone needs to be the focus by the players in that room right now.
It looks like RNH is out tonight with an illness. Foegele slots onto the LW beside McDavid and Hyman while McLeod will play on the wing with Kane and Draisaitl. That leaves Holloway with Janmark and Perry on the third line and sadly Connor Brown drawing back into the lineup as well.
The Bruins will be another excellent test for the Oilers, particularly because of their great goaltending. Edmonton still isn't burying enough of their chances and they are getting caught looking for the perfect play on the PP. They need to just aim for high volume against a team like the Bruins.
On the PP. I wonder if it's time to switch things up, like really switch things up. Draisiatl has become pretty complacent in his wheel house and teams by this point have really zeroed in on how he scores. I would swap him and RNH (when healthy) at least to start the play and eventually cycle into their regular positions. Something to make teams have to adjust instead of simply boxing the Oil out.
Enjoy the game!
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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