Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
I'm giving full credit to the Oilers here. They can't beat us in disciplined hockey, so they did a good job turning the game onto maximum chaos. Their top forwards were better at playing through that, being opportunistic and taking full advantage of the numerous defensive breakdowns. Our top line are at their best when the game is organized and controlled, not a mess like this.
It's difficult for both goalies, but Markström is clearly having more trouble staying focused in the chaotic pressure cooker. Smith is probably closer to his comfort zone. I would consider seeing if Vladar handles the chaos better.
This team might not be the midgets they used to be, but we were still the mentally weaker team of the two.
On to game three. It will be interesting to see what things look like on Edmonton. I'm worried that the Flames still aren't mentally tough enough, but the Oilers defensive game is still a bigger mess.
|
Dallas was a test of determination.
Oilers are a test of mental strength/fortitude.
Playing them is like walking down a hallway littered with ghosts and boogeymen. They're can only hurt you if you "play" their game and get distracted from yours. If you don't let them frighten you and do what you know how to do, they just evaporate into thin air.
Either you just walk the walk and keep your focus straight ahead and win, or wander off trying to fend off the phantom tough guys with big beaks and let them win.
Just replicate the entire Dallas series in terms of your play and there's no way Edmonton can beat you in a series.