Oilers Game 31: New York Rangers

What a fun 69 seconds that was, eh? Going into the third period, it looked like we were expecting another sour loss. After taking an early 2-0 lead, the Oilers went down 3-2. That’s not a big deficit, but they outshot the Devils 18-6 in the second period. Akira Schmid was pulled after the second goal, allowing two on just six shots. When Vitek Vanecek took over between the pipes for New Jersey, we all had the feeling that Edmonton would get goalie-d for the fourth game in a row. Something had to been said in the room during the second intermission. Connor McDavid at 1:40, Leon Draisaitl at 2:22, and Adam Ernie with his first as an Oiler at 2:49. The visiting team did a complete 180 so stunningly that you could a hear a pin drop in the arena as the home crowd’s energy from the second period evaporated. Ryan McLeod with two goals, Mattias Ekholm and Sam Gagner with two assists each, as well as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with a goal and an assist. Yes, McDrai started the comeback. But don’t overlook the work done by the supporting cast. Another thing absolutely worth noting, all six of Edmonton’s goals were scored at even strength. There was no talk of powerplay merchants, then.

The 2023/2024 Devils kind of remind me of the 2017/2018 Oilers. A younger team with a promising future that upset a veteran team in the first round of the Playoffs the previous season and then doesn’t have most things going right for them the following season. Of course, this year’s Oilers have a lot more experience, so it’s still pretty shocking when they go streaks (both consistent and inconsistent) like the ones we’ve been seeing this season. This is Edmonton’s first back-to-back in 2023/2024 and their last matchup before the Christmas. Let’s end the week on the nice list. The keys to the game are…

Don’t Let Up: I already summed up the third period from last night, but here’s how Edmonton got there in the first place. One period or one game, they play like a dominant team. In another period or another game, they look like a bottom feeder. After they went up 2-0, they took their foot off the gas pedal and gave New Jersey a fighting chance. The Oilers even went more than 13 minutes without a single shot on goal. Good on them for the comeback, but you’ve got to play with more consistency than that. You won’t always maintain a lead by sleepwalking.

Quick Thinking: Jonathan Quick aged backwards by ten years this season, sporting a 2.09 GAA and .926 SV% through 11 games. He’s looking like he traveled back in time to 2012 when he Conn Smythe-d the LA Kings to their first-ever Stanley Cup. He posted a 3-0 shutout in the first Rangers meeting against the Oilers. We may initially believe Igor Shesterkin gets the obvious start at MSG. But if you’re the Rangers, why not go with the hand that won you the last game? Just the same as Calvin Pickard was trusted with a second start against the Devils and won again last night.

Play Like Saints: I mentioned in Tuesday’s article that New Jersey had the best powerplay in the league at 31.3%. Well, guess what? The Rangers PP is tied for first with that exact same percentage. But last night, Edmonton didn’t take a single penalty. They kept the Devils man advantage at a halt, and need to do the same tonight. Stay disciplined, stay out of the box as much as possible. This opponent’s PP has more experienced weapons than New Jersey. Don’t give New York too many chances to use them.