The Edmonton Oilers didn't get the win, but they played a lot better in their rematch against the Vancouver Canucks.
The Edmonton Oilers didn't plan on starting 0-2. But here they are, with that record. Game one was an example of not playing the right way and losing. Last night was an example of playing the right way and still losing.
They outshot the Vancouver Canucks 40-16. They were 2-for-7 on the power play. They came out strong to begin the game. They didn't get hemmed in their own end for long stretches.
They just didn't get as many lucky breaks as their opponents did.
The Start They Wanted
The Oilers scored their first goal 42 seconds into the opening period. The line of Zach Hyman, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins got the puck into the Canucks zone quickly and maintained zone time and pressure until Draisaitl opened the scoring. That was exactly how the team needed to start.
Leon Draisaitl.Canucks Battled Hard
For a team that didn't generate a lot of shots on net, the Canucks didn't give away anything to the Oilers. They had a solid effort and played a really consistent 60 minutes. In a game of lucky breaks, the Canucks had more than the Oilers.
Oilers Power Play Is Still Lethal
The Oilers looked dangerous on their power play. They shifted momentum in the game whenever they had the man advantage. They just didn't score when they needed to.
Not Time to Panic
It's only the second game of the season. If this was a two-game stretch in the middle of January, no one would bat an eye. The Oilers know this isn't the start they want. There's no panic in the room. They aren't happy, but they know that next game is another opportunity to get into the W column.
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