Took a couple of heavy hits but just kept on going. Made a deft goal line save at the other end. In the process became just the fifth player in NHL history (Joe Malone, Punch Broadbent, Mario Lemieux, Alex Mogilny, now McDavid) and the first this century to score multiple goals in 5 consecutive games. Came out with fire in his eyes from the get-go and wasted little time in potting 2 goals that put the Oilers ahead to stay. RNH immediately challenged Holl and both dropped the gloves for a short but action-packed tilt that Nuge won decisively. Was the closest teammate when Yamamoto, struggling with “upper body” injuries all year, took a high, heavy hit by Justin Holl. Terrific backcheck on Marner’s shorthanded rush, engaging the Leafs star at the blueline, relieving him of the puck, then sending the disc back north where McDavid and Draisaitl did the rest on the 1-0. Fun fact: Broberg, an NHL rookie, has more playoff experience (1 game, 3:16 TOI) than does the veteran McCabe (0 GP). Drew a penalty charged to Jake McCabe, the 29-year-old d-man Leafs just got from Chicago, leading to the games first goal. Made the most of what time he had, landing 5 hits and posting excellent shot shares. Like Kulak, he found his ice time reduced due to the presence of 2 solid top 4 defenders on the left side. 2 shots, 2 blocks, 3 hits and an enduring sense of calm, not to mention a fantastic Viking beard. Beaten on the Toronto PP goal when he allowed Mitch Marner’s outside shot to get through. Fine slap pass up the boards that sent Draisaitl and Hyman in 2-on-1 for a chance that barely failed. Showed some capacity for being involved on offence, especially on the cycle, and earned the primary assist on Hyman’s game winner. Really used the boards to advantage at times, be it squeezing out opponents or creating a variety of wall passes and clearances. Responded like a champ - steady on the back end, “calm feet”, reliable with the puck. Arrived mid-afternoon having missed the morning skate, meaning the game was literally the first time he skated with his new mates. Among those burned on the Toronto powerplay goal. Crafty vet took some shifts with McDavid and Hyman with good results. Got involved in the offence in the middle frame, when his outside shot was tipped home by Yamamoto. But Ceci made up for that mistake later in the period when he made a sharp clearance of a loose puck on the doorstep and was strong defensively thereafter. The coaching staff decided not to challenge as they saw no definitive angle that would cause the call on the ice to be overturned. Made a bad mental error on the first Toronto goal when he let up on a play after an apparent offside that hadn’t been whistled down. Thus extended his goalless drought to 40 games, but (it says here) the end is nigh. Showed Oilers fans a glimpse of his plus shot when he went post and in on a wrist shot from the slot, only to have the apparent goal waved off due to a simultaneous (legit) interference call on McDavid. Passed the puck well for the most part, and frequently. Made a nice defensive play at his own net front to break up an early Toronto chance. Fit in well with his new partner Ekholm, with whom he played over 12 minutes at evens. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Sixteen to two! Only some bad timing prevented a higher score, as the Oilers had 2 goals disallowed by the referee’s whistle. Meanwhile, the good folks at Natural Stat Trick had the same ratio of High Danger Chances, but double the count: 16-2. We at the Cult of Hockey had a preliminary count of 12 Grade A shots for the Oilers to 5 for the Leafs, with a resounding 8-1 count in the subset of 5-alarm chances ( running count). The Oilers welcomed their latest addition, defenceman Mattias Ekholm, to the line-up with a splendid display of speed, skill and aggressive play, while Ekholm delivered as advertised with a strong defensive presence and some heady plays with the puck.Įdmonton held a narrow 32-28 edge on the shot clock, but had a wide edge in scoring chances. The next issue of Edmonton Journal Headline News will soon be in your inbox. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
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