How the Oilers limit the Panthers’ Bennett after the first 2 games – Hockey Writer – Edmonton Oilers

Initially, everyone expected the Stanley Cup final to be a battle between Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. The best scorer, the best ability to fight against the best defensive forward in the game. That’s what happened a year ago, Barkov specifically limited the Edmonton Oilers star’s game against McDavid in his last two games, which gave the Florida Panthers a Cup title.

Related: 4 Players Edmonton Oilers Need More in the Stanley Cup Final

Sam Bennett is by far the Panthers’ standout, scoring three goals in the first two games. Brad Marchand also had three goals, including the winner of Game 2 double overtime, but the Bennett line was the best for the Panthers as it was launching an offense while limiting the Oilers’ offense. It allowed them to split the first two games in Edmonton and then head to South Beach for a chance to take over the series.

The series will head to Florida for Games 3 and 4, while the Oilers are looking to get back to power. First, limit Bennett and his line, who also have Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, both of which have four assists in two games. The oilers’ blueprint can do this, the question is whether they can execute it.

Oilers must keep the series pace fast

The first two games were quick as both teams flew around the ice. Rogers Place is known for its ice reputation, but both teams set the tone for the series by moving the puck, creating run-by-stop opportunities and putting pressure on opposing goalkeepers. It explains 16 total goals in two games.

The Panthers want to slow things down. Sure, they can play the running style and score goals with the Oilers, but that’s not the way they will win this series. Last year, they controlled the series with pre-examinations and slowed down the game, while Bennett, Takak and the forwards took the lead.

Oilers must prevent this from happening. The speed allowed them to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win the first game with 4-3 overtime, which allowed them to score in the last minute of Game 2. Advances in road races and series will test their ability to keep pace fast, but they hope to do that. Not only does McDavid and Draisaitl have to play like this, but it is the entire forward group.

Ekholm & Nurse must control high range areas

The Oilers are a better defensive team for many reasons, which is common in the playoffs. The Star is leading the way, especially with the depth of the defensive force standing out, especially when Mattias Ekholm was lingering in the first three rounds. Another factor is Evan Bouchard, who looks great and has come up with a case to win the Conn Smith Trophy. Then, there is a physical element to the defense that gives the Oiler an edge.

That physical game started with Nurse Darnell. He has performed well in the playoffs and has stood out in the defensive zone. The Nurse is a large defender who removes power forwards from the tall area and clears loose pucks near the net. With Ekholm’s return, the Oilers have a defense ready to eliminate opponents from these areas.

The dirty area is where Bennett flourishes (the fans of Toronto Maple Leafs will soon point out that the dirty area should be literally seen). That’s why Ekholm and the Nurse are the two defenders who have to bring him out of the series. Yes, Busard, Jake Walman and John Klingberg were great in the playoffs, but they were mostly like hockey players rather than body players. That’s where Ekholm and the nurse come in and have to deliver.

McDavid & Draisaitl is still leading

As expected, McDavid and Draisaitl led the Oilers to score points in the final. They were the guys who co-lead the offense with three goals and six assists in two games, while also speeding up the anchor point across the team. Even though the Panthers were perfect and there seemed to be no way to win, the duo found a way, considering that they were two of the top five players in the NHL.

McDavid and Draisaitl are two people who have to set the tone. It includes pre-played, physical games, and of course back checks and defense. They are two skaters who can limit Bennett, specifically, his body cannot control the game and wear oilers.

Their game is not an exclusive game to stop Bennett. It is also key in limiting the Panthers and allowing the Oilers to play in the series. The first two games could have been played, both would have worked overtime, and the rebound here or there could have changed the outcome. The McDavid and Draisaitl duo offer the oilman an edge and must do so in the upcoming game.