Since returning to the AHL's Condors, he is making a case for an NHL return.
The Edmonton Oilers are counting their blessings at Christmas Break this year. After starting the year very poorly - and having to fire their head coach - the team has rebounded with a very strong 10-2 record over the last 12 games.
Kris Knoblauch and the Edmonton Oilers.One of the strongest elements of the Oilers overall game since the coaching change is the improved defensive play. The Oilers defense has consisted of Darnell Nurse, Cody Ceci, Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, Brett Kulak and Vincent Desharnais.
Philip Broberg has also been in the mix, but has not seen the start in the NHL that he wanted (or was expected) for this season. For now, the plan is to gain experience in the AHL and wait for his next NHL opportunity.
Lack of Injuries on Oilers Blueline
This year has been the healthiest year for the Oilers blueline in many years. Of the current top six defensemen on the team Nurse, Kulak, Bouchard and Ceci have played all 31 Oilers games this year. Ekholm and Desharnais are the only ones to not have played every game this year.
Ekholm missed the first game of the year and took a few games once he was in to find his legs. Desharnais has played 29 games, only missing two in favor of Broberg being played.
Broberg is Gaining Valuable Experience
Since rejoining the Condors Broberg has been earning valuable minutes and experience. In seven games he has collected three points. Impressively, he has 21 shots over that span.
Broberg is primarily playing big even strength minutes as well as a good amount of penalty kill time. He is playing well over 20 minutes a game on a nightly basis. Each game that passes seems to include him in more and more highlights.
Broberg fearlessly gets into the shooting lane to block this shot (that could have been an easy goal). Then he gets in front of another shot (it misses him) literally seconds later. He is clearly solidifying his commitment to playing stringent defense and giving his team the best chance at winning.
Here he is on the other side of things, jumping in on offense. He collects the puck, enters the offensive zone with a teammate wide open, dishes them the puck and they score the game winning overtime goal.
Philip Broberg.It was never part of the original plan for Broberg to spend significant time in the AHL this season. However, until there is a significant injury on the Oilers blueline it is absolutely the best thing for him and his development.
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