The Panthers are just as aggressive at 5-on-5 as they are when taking a penalty kill. The Oilers were able to take advantage of that to generate attacks and odd-man escapes in Game 1.
“That was just because they’re really aggressive,” Ekholm said. “You have to expect pressure from them, but if you wait for it then you can probably make a play that will turn into an outnumbered situation.”
Edmonton couldn’t score in Game 1 because Bobrovsky was spectacular.
But the second game was different. The Oilers had one high-danger scoring opportunity at 5-on-5 in Game 2 and an even 18 shots on goal. The only time they were able to use the Panthers’ aggression against them was when Ekholm scored his 4-on-4 goal in the first period.
florida defense Aaron Oakleaf He pinched the wall and McDavid made a play to get the puck up the ice and out of the zone to become a 3-on-1 run.
“That’s 4-on-4, but similar,” Hyman said. “Their ‘D’s are very aggressive in our D zone. Their ‘D’s come down the walls. So, yeah, you make a play, you win a puck battle and you beat your opponent. They’re very aggressive.” everywhere, so if you’re able to beat your guy, you can create an odd-man rush or create an opportunity to take it to the net.”
That’s not necessarily playing with structure either; that’s playing fast, using instinct, some independent work, a little ice hockey mentality.
“They’re playing aggressive, in your face, but that being said, when there are mistakes, there are opportunities,” McDavid said. “I feel like a team that’s as aggressive as they are, they do a great job of limiting your chances and then there’s a mistake and you can find yourself in a Grade A very quickly, and you have to be prepared for that and you have to be prepared. Suddenly, it goes from There’s not much to do to have a good chance.