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Everyone knows what the Edmonton Oilers can do in the offensive zone.
But defense? That's what could determine the ceiling for these Oilers, and there might just be a surge happening at the right time.
On Thursday night, in a 4-3 overtime win over the Vegas Golden Knights, the Oilers needed their penalty kill to step up, and it did.
"The Oilers’ penalty kill, ranked 26th, had three huge kills, including one in overtime," Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman wrote in his newest 32 Thoughts column.
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Friedman also shared this quote from goalie Connor Ingram:
“We’ve found a way to play that’s given us success. Now it’s not being stubborn and sticking with it. Playing simple. We’re a good enough hockey club we’re going to get our chances. As long as we don’t give them that many, we’re going to be just fine.”
The Oilers simply have to find a way to do the little things well. They do the flashy, attacking things well already.
"During Tuesday’s win over Utah, the Oilers had some way-above-average defensive metrics for them (per Sportlogiq), including blocking almost double the amount of even-strength shots as usual and a much stingier defence of their blueline," Friedman writes. "Baby steps, but big performances."
The winner on Thursday night grabbed the headlines, of course -- Evan Bouchard had the overtime goal.
But the Oilers are doing more well than just scoring right now, and that could prove crucial if it continues.
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