The 2nd round match up between the Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers features some very intriguing storylines indeed.
Both teams are relatively young, though the Oilers clearly have the experience edge over the team from the Twin Cities.
However – more intriguing is the high number of ex-players on each team.
The Edmonton Oilers feature former Wild players Mike Knuble, Stephane Quintal, Radek Dvorak, Marcus Nilson, and Tony Hrkac.
Meanwhile the Wild have a number of ex-Oilers, many of them in key positions. David Legwand was the 2nd leading score for the Wild and is anxious to play his former team. Other ex-Oilers include Jason Spezza, Dmitri Kalinin, Andre Roy and Brendan Morrow. But most intriguing is in net where Tomas Vokoun will face off against an Oiler team that dumped the tender when they had a chance to acquire Martin Brodeur. Although the soft-spoken Vokoun won’t say it – its clear he wants to prove to his former GM Sylvanfan that he made a mistake.
Who has the Edge?
Forwards
The Oilers boast a talented group of forwards that include Vincent Lecalvier, Bobby Holik, Radek Dvorak, Marian Hossa, and Shane Doan. The Oilers are hoping that players such as Lecalvier will have a better 2nd round but the team boasts a group of forwards deep enough that even if key players are struggling there is more than enough talent to pick up the slack.
The Wild counter with a young and hungry crew that includes the aforementioned Legwand, Paul Kariya, Mark Bell and first round playoff hero Brendan Morrow. The Wild won their first round matchup in spite of low production from regular season scoring leaders Kariya and Legwand. Brendan Morrow can’t be expected to keep up his torrid post-season pace. Others must produce.
Edge: Oilers.
Defense
This is perhaps where the biggest difference lies in the series. The Oilers ice an impressive crew of blueliners – one that has perhaps more offense than any other defense core in the league. Roman Hamrlik, Tom Poti, Jay Bouwmeester and Brian Leetch all boast impressive offensive skills. However this group may be lacking in the toughness area – though it may not matter if they score like they can.
Meanwhile in many ways the Wild are the flip side to the Oilers. What they lack if offense skill they make up for in toughness. Chris Phillips leads the crew and has turned his CPHL career around since being acquired by the Wild. Dmitri Kalinin is a similar defensively focused player but put up impressive assist totals in the first round. Filip Kuba is an inconsistent player that will have to perform on the PP for the Wild to stand a chance. Murray Baron and Keith Carney provide key leadership and are solid in their own end.
Edge: Oilers.
The Nets
What more do you need to say? The Oilers are sending out the best goalie in the CPHL with Martin Brodeur. Although Tomas Vokoun outduelled Domink Hasek in the first round – Brodeur is even a cut above the Dominator and it is doubtful that Vokoun can perform better than Brodeur. If he can play close to Brodeur’s level though – the Wild may stand a chance.
Edge: Oilers
Special Teams
Special teams have been a source of advantage for the Wild all season long. However with many key players traded away at the deadline the PP and PK units are no longer the cream of the crop. That being said – they performed well enough in the first round.
Meanwhile in Edmonton the APB is out for the Oil PP. With as much talent as the Oilers boast it would seem that its only a matter of time before the team breaks out of its slump with a man up. The scary thing for the Wild may be the fact that if anything – the Oiler PP is due.
Edge: Even.
Concluding Remarks
Can the Wild repeat the magic of the first round and knock off the #2 seed in the conference? It is doubtful. However the first round has given this young team confidence in themselves – a dangerous thing. However the Oilers are hungry bunch themselves and won’t likely take the Wild lightly after witnessing what happened to the Preds in the first round. It should be a doozy!
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