Hockey is finally back, and the Oilers kicked off their preseason schedule with a 2-1 shootout loss to the Winnipeg Jets. After watching the game, here are my takeaways.
Players of the Game
I’ll start by giving props to the best player on each side. For the Oilers, I have to go with Zach Hyman. He was all over the ice, playing his usual game and getting down low, forechecking hard, and getting to the net. He was creating scoring chances and had the only Oilers goal. For the Jets, newly acquired goalie Collin Delia. 36 saves on 37 shots, with zero goals against in the shootout. Enough said.
Prospect Play
The best part of the preseason is the showcase of young talent. Edmonton had their three most valuable prospects playing big minutes tonight. Here’s what I thought of their performances.
Xavier Bourgault
I thought Bourgault had a good game. He was tenacious on the forecheck and was at full speed on every rush. He was a bit passive as the off-wing in the offensive zone, which I wasn’t impressed with at all. Didn’t have much luck finishing-wise, but that will come with experience. I want to see more of what he can do. He has the potential to be a prime Tyler Johnson, but if he can’t develop his offensive game past being the “tenacious” guy, he will end up just another Yamamoto.
Dylan Holloway
Holloway will be in the lineup on opening night. And this is just more proof. He looked excellent. He was incredible on the forecheck, highlighted by some huge hits. Driving the play off the rush at times, there were stretches of Holloway being the leader of his line. I look forward to seeing him against better competition.
Philip Broberg
Now to the best prospect of the night. Philip Broberg was a completely different player than he was last year. His skating and gap control have taken a massive leap. I never saw Broberg get overwhelmed by any of the forwards he went up against. His first pass looked better than half the Oilers D core. If this is the new normal for Philip Broberg, he will take up top 4 minutes by November.
Overall
The Oilers looked very good as a team. The kind of well-oiled offensive machine that they have become known as. No pun intended. But it looked like some rust had the Oilers unable to finish. Add that to Collin Delia’s unreal performance, and the Oilers came up just short. We will see if they can bounce back against the Jets on Monday at 6 PM MST.
