Edmonton Oilers Missing Critical Element To Match Up to Stanley Cup Contenders
The Edmonton Oilers have been on a run of some quality hockey lately, but in a few critical matchups against some playoff opponents, their lack of toughness showed to be a need.
Oilers insider Bob Stauffer has been hinting for a while now that Edmonton may add a bottom six forward with energy.
Now, analyst Kurt Leavins is seconding that belief in his latest article in the Edmonton Journal, saying that Stan Bowman will be acquiring some grit via trade at the deadline this year.
- Kurt Leavins, Edmonton Journal
The Oilers bottom six got pushed around by some playoff opponents in Florida and Los Angeles, showing some weaknesses in the bottom six that other teams can exploit in a 7 game series.
The skill of the Oilers superstars w can still lead them to a win, but every line needs to be at their best for a Stanley Cup team - and specifically the fourth line currently doesn't have an identity.
Oilers Will Likely Target Physical Bottom Six Forward in Trade
The Edmonton Oilers currently rank last place in hits, and aren't getting much from any of their fourth line players.
Jeff Skinner seems to be on the way out, Derek Ryan is pushing his limits at 37 years old, and Corey Perry can't drive a line on his own.
Evander Kane's return from injury may be a wild card for the team, but he alone may not be able to give the Oilers a physical edge.
While the team may be targeting a defenceman and potentially a third goaltender, adding another bottom six forward may need to be a priority for Oilers GM Stan Bowman.
In the grind through 4 best of seven series, playoff hockey becomes a battle of attrition. Being able to handle the physical side of the game is essential to compete in the playoffs, and the Oilers sorely need more of it.
