Friedman believes Oilers stars asked Perry to check Evander Kane

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Ryan Hall
April 8, 2024 (9:18 PM)

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During their latest episode of the 32 thoughts podcast, hosts Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discuss the Oilers and their playoff hopes regarding Evander Kane. Friedman made a bold statement that the team needs Evander Kane to step forward and to step up.

"They need big pain in the a** Evander Kane. They need top forechecker in the league Evander Kane."

To Friedman's point, it's becoming clear on the bench that several of the leadership group are pushing Kane to be better including Corey Perry as he recently was seen in a full argument with Kane on a lazy play.

They know he is a major component to their Stanley Cup hopes and when Kane is playing at the top of his game, he can be one of the most intimidating players in the league. His size and physicality have always been part of his portfolio as an NHLer, and he also puts himself in positions to score greasy goals.

Upon his arrival from the San Jose Sharks, Kane was a dominant force with the Oilers and was pivotal to push the team into a playoff spot and to go on a long run which saw them go to the Conference Finals. Ever since he suffered his grizzly injury after being cut with a skate across his wrist, he has not been the same and he has seen his production drop.

Through 74 games this season, he has scored 23 goals with 18 assists for 41 points and is a - 4.

If the Oilers are successful in awakening Kane and helping him restore his game to what fans were accustomed to, this will give the Oilers a significant boost offensively and wreak havoc on their opponents as Kane will throw his body once again and make their lives miserable.