CALGARY — The Edmonton OilersIt cannot be denied.
It's not by another poor start. You won't get a string of hard (stick) breaks, or goals that are not allowed.
Edmonton scored 5-3 victory against Calgary in Game 2 of Friday's Stanley Cup playoff series. They then moved to home ice with the Battle of Alberta win. They did it by following Jay Woodcroft's instructions for several weeks.
“We had some issues today. It speaks to the resilience and resolve of our group, I believe. [that we came through]Woodcroft said, “Yes.” It's something we've been working towards for the past three months. The ability to stick to it.
“I think that if someone walked into our room, they would see a group of men who are completely certain of our message and game plan, and fully confident about what it takes for them to win in the end. We believe in it. We felt that we didn't play to the same standard in Game 1 but that was not our experience. We did better tonight.”
Edmonton was not able to reach this point easily.
The Oilers suffered a poor start to Game 1. They surrendered three goals in six minutes, en route to a loss of 9-6. The Oilers started Friday's game in a very similar manner. They trailed 2-0 just 6:02 into their first period. Edmonton was then twice denied the goals it deserved.
First, Zach HymanThought he had scored a 2-2 equalizer under Flames’ netminder Jacob MarkstromChris Lee, the referee, blew off the play before it was even started.
The goal was not called. Despite Hyman's confidence and even going to the bench to give fist bumps, the officials confirmed that there was no goal.
The NHL's Situation Room reported that the Referee declared the play dead after he lost sight under Jacob Markstrom.
Oilers still at 2-1. A broken stick for Darnell NurseEdmonton penalty kill was the result. Tyler ToffoliIt should be 3-1 Flames by the end of the second.
Edmonton kept on coming. The play was over. Connor McDavidThe night was dominated by the host, who orchestrated an amazing set-up. Leon DraisaitlThe Flames led was seemingly reduced to one. Edmonton was able to have that goal called back, but after Calgary's successful challenge for goaltender interference.
McDavid was unaffected and scored in less than one minute. 3-2 Flames.
The time Evan BouchardEdmonton felt in complete control after Edmonton tied the game at 3-3 with an early power play goal.
Hyman stated that “we had two goals pulled back, and the bounces weren't necessarily our way.” “But we persevered, and we won. It's a testimony to our team, I believe. “We've experienced a rollercoaster season, where our backs were against a wall and our ability not to back down has been exceptional.”
It would count the next time Hyman scored. Edmonton was taking a penalty in third period when Hyman lit the lamp for Edmonton. It would prove to be the game-winning marker.
Draisaitl completed the victory with an insurance score. McDavid and he combined for five points. Mike SmithA 37-save performance was a rebound from an ugly Game 1 performance.
Oilers now have a best-of-5 series and home ice advantage.
Woodcroft stated, “I felt we deserved the win tonight based solely on hard work.” “I believe we paid the price necessary to win a second round game. Although our competition was high, our execution was good. We were able to score. Some of the goals we gave up were due to circumstances. [things like] broken sticks. I came to the conclusion that everyone was more competitive than me, and that's what I believed to be a man.
