Game in Review: Oilers 3 - Vancouver 2, SO

Young talent and plenty of energy won out against a tired Vancouver team tonight. Despite the fact that the Canucks lost, the overall effort was much better. Luongo started in goal, and looked pretty solid. Edler opened the scoring midway through the first, after poking a short pass out of his own zone, weaving through center, and blasting a classic slapper past Dubnyk. Kassian finished off a beautiful play by the Sedins in the 2nd, after missing 2 chances earlier. But the Oilers tied it on a defensive blunder with only 3 seconds remaining, as Eberle cut past everyone and back handed it past Roberto. Hemsky ripped one past Lou late in the third to tie it at 2, as the defense failed to cut him off on the wing. Overtime was a blunder of end to end rushes, but nothing came off of them. On to the shootout: Luongo failed to stop the first 2, and neither Edler nor Burrows could put was past Dubnyk.

Tidbits:

 - The starting lineups were the same as last night, but AV played with them a lot. The Sedins saw both Weise and Kassian on their wing, while Burrows played with Ebbett and Raymond in the third.

 - Kassian: Fantastic game. His goal was the result of Sedin wizardry, but he had good positioning all through the game, putting a few shots just wide. He fought Ben Eager in the 3rd, which resulted in Eager going to the dressing room with blood splattered on his sweater.

 - Weise: Played to impress, plenty of energy. Maybe too much. Ended up on his butt a few times (once after missing a hit, and another after failing to deke out Dubnyk on a breakaway), and slammed face first into the boards after just clipping the target on a failed hit. Apparently his enthusiasm was enough to land him on the first line, but only for one shift.

 - Powerplay: Vancouver went 0/5, but had a decent passing game. Still insistent on doing the back pass in the neutral zone. A better defensive team would've ripped that apart.

 - Penalty Kill: 3/4, not too bad. Let the Oilers pass around the edges, but were able to cut it off before the shot.

 - Defense: Better, but not good enough. Both Edmonton goals came off defensive lapses, where the puck carrier was allowed to pull it down the wing and get a shot off. Ballard and Tanev were much better, but still a little sketchy.

 - Shootouts: I'm no expert, but both Edler and Burrows came in much too slow and game Dubnyk way too much time to react. Luongo at least remained upright, but still left too many gaps.

Next game is on the Wednesday the 23rd at home against the Flames. Easy game to start Schneider, as the Flames are at the bottom of their 'rebuilding' phase. But more on that when it comes around.