Edmonton Oilers: 3 keys to evening up the series in Game 2

Do A Better Job Killing Penalties

On one end of special teams, the Edmonton Oilers scored three power play goals in four chances. Considering how excellent their power play was during the regular season, that’s not surprising. On the other end, though, the Oilers were very disappointing, allowing three power play goals in six opportunities.

A game with more penalties clearly benefits the Oilers, as their power play is lethal when it’s firing on all cylinders. And right now, that’s exactly what it’s doing. However, the penalty kill needs to hold up their end of the bargain too. Their shorthanded units were weak on Saturday, allowing the Blackhawks to set up scoring chances and get too close to the net.

The Oilers looked out of sorts on the penalty kill, as they were unable to stop the Blackhawks power play, which looked better on Saturday than it did all season. Dominik Kubalik was unstoppable, picking up two power play goals and an assist as well. They also had no answer for Duncan Keith, who had a vintage Keith performance with two primary assists on the power play.

It won’t matter how many power plays the Oilers get if they can’t kill the power plays that the Blackhawks get.