The Edmonton Oilers face elimination Tuesday at home against the Anaheim Geese after reaching the Stanley Cup final each of the last two years.
Edmonton trails the best-of-seven first-round series three games to at least one.
Listed here are five things to look at for because the Oilers try to increase their season.
Jarry or Ingram?
Goaltender Tristan Jarry’s first playoff start as an Oiler — and first since 2022 — was quality with 34 saves in a 4-3 time beyond regulation loss in Game 4.
The 30-year-old from Surrey, B.C., was Connor Ingram’s backup down the regular-season home stretch and repelled a flurry of Geese’ salvos late in the primary period to preserve a 2-0 lead.
He gave up two even-strength goals, including the goalie-nightmare time beyond regulation winner that deflected off teammate Darnell Nurse’s leg and between his pads.
However the Oilers’ lone win this series got here with Ingram in net in Game 1. Head coach Kris Knoblauch said Monday he had yet to determine on his Game 5 starter.
Connor McDavid
Edmonton’s captain shouldn’t be comfortable.
He winced after a first-period collision with Alex Killorn in Game 4 and rolled his ankle within the second period of Game 2 when he collided with teammate Mattias Ekholm.
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While the NHL’s post-season scoring leader three of the last 4 seasons has posted back-to-back multi-point games, there have been few bursts of his trademark speed that create headaches for the opposition.
Special teams
Edmonton’s power play was 3-for-4 during the last two games after starting 0-for-6.
However the penalty kill, sorely missing injured centre Adam Henrique, gave three back to the Geese in those two games.
Anaheim climbed back into Game 4 with two power-play goals within the second period.
Oilers forward Josh Samanski could also be cutting his playoff teeth, but stick infractions in each of the last two games led to power-play goals for Anaheim.
Dickinson factor
Just like the captain, third-line centre Jason Dickinson isn’t completely healthy, but his return to Edmonton’s lineup after sitting out two straight games made for a more cohesive attack and defence.
He generated Edmonton’s first goal 38 seconds after the Game 4 puck drop by wheeling the puck low to high within the offensive zone, helping arrange Kasperi Kapanen’s team-leading fourth playoff goal.
Experience versus youth
The Oilers could also be more battle-hardened within the playoffs than the Geese, who’re making their post-season return after a seven-year absence.
But Anaheim’s young, fresh legs — a dozen Geese are under the age of 25 — have made Edmonton look slow at times.
“Anaheim, this season, has been a very popular and cold team,” Knoblauch said Monday. “You have a look at the streaks they’ve gone on. I imagine they’re playing superb hockey immediately.
“We’ve got to search out a way learn how to break them.”
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