If they lose at least they save themselves from the potential of a loss to the grease, so there would be a slight silver lining there. Expect Oettinger to turn into a pumpkin in round 2 if so after being another wall tonight.
The key to victory is Markstrom being at least as good as Oettinger, and the skaters playing how they know they can play. I expect some Zadorov/Benn nonsense early so hopefully that isn’t too big a distraction. The team needs to keep it 5on5 and keep Gaudreau out on the ice in as many high-leverage situations as possible. He’s the only game breaker in the series but he’s not being used like it.
Also, there’s the very real possibility this is the last game Gaudreau ever plays for the team. If so, good luck in the future my dude, this team hasn’t deserved you. Would be incredible if he can drop a statement game tonight and power the team through to round 2 though.
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Oliver Kylington is the greatest and best player in the world
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