Skip to content

Oilers send message with dominant Game 2 win over Sharks

Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

It was probably worth the wait, eh Edmonton?

After a dispiriting 3-2 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks in Game 1, in which the Oilers were outshot 34-9 in the game's final 43 minutes and change (and 44-19 overall), all eyes were on Rogers Place on Friday night to see how Edmonton would respond.

We got our answer: The Oilers won't be pushovers this spring.

Here's everything that went right for Edmonton in Game 2:

  • A 2-0 win, first and foremost, the series now tied 1-1 heading to California.
  • A playoff win in Edmonton, much to the delight of the home crowd, which waited oh so very long for Friday night.
  • A shutout for Cam Talbot, though he only had to make 16 saves.
  • Connor McDavid's first career playoff goal.
  • Zack Kassian's first career playoff goal.
  • Kassian's two devastating body checks.
  • A 36-16 Oilers advantage in shots. The Sharks didn't put more than six pucks on Talbot in any period, and were outshot 15-4 in the third, which they entered trailing by only a goal.
  • A perfect night on the penalty kill, 6-for-6, which makes the final shot clock that much more impressive.
  • A 41-21 Oilers edge in hits - and, honestly, it's unfair that Kassian's two thunderous checks only count as one each.
  • A 16-6 Edmonton advantage in takeaways.

The Oilers dominated, in every way. Orange Crush, indeed. And McDavid is yet to take over like he can, and like he eventually will.

(OK, one thing went wrong for the Oilers on Friday night: Oscar Klefbom blocked a Brent Burns shot in the third period and limped off to the dressing room. But, hey, injuries are a part of the playoffs. Ask the Sharks, who have played two games without Joe Thornton.)

As impressive as Edmonton's season has been, it wouldn't have been shocking for the young, inexperienced Oilers to go down 2-0 to last year's Stanley Cup finalists. But the Oilers assured San Jose, and the rest of the NHL, that they're not happy simply being at the dance. They're going to get down, have some fun. And the playoffs are better for it.

Seven games, anyone?

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox