The Oilers, led by McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, can still dazzle offensively but are more responsible with the puck at both ends.
Gone are the blind drop passes than can lead to odd-man rushes the other way or the breakout passes up the middle of the defensive zone.
The Oilers are playing a simpler game, which led them to four straight wins against the Los Angeles Kings in the first round after losing the first two games of the series and a five-game series win against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round.
“If you get a shutout your goalie has to be rock solid, at the same time — unless your goalie is out of this world — in order to get a shutout, you have to play well defensively,” Oilers forward Zach Hyman said. “You have to limit those chances because there are some good players on the other team and given enough chances, they’ve shown that they can score.”
McDavid has been adamant despite all its firepower, Edmonton can take care of the puck and play a solid defensive game.
It’s become a punch line with the Edmonton media and the Oilers captain.
“Yes, we can play defense,” McDavid said anticipating the question Friday. “We’re a different team than we have been in years past, probably not as run and gun as years past, but we can play defense and Stu was great.
“Forwards are coming back really hard, everyone is selling out blocking shots. It’s that time of year, that’s what it takes and it’s fun to watch.”
With the next two games at home, the Oilers are looking to put together two more workmanlike performances. It may force players out of their comfort zone, but they believe it’s the way to the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.
“Everyone is taking a little bit of a different role, this whole team has,” McDavid said. “It’s probably not as run and gun, probably not as entertaining to watch for the folks at home, but we’re winning games and that’s all that matters. Guys are doing everything they can to help this team win.”
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