After taking a 2-1 series lead over the LA Kings in the Western Conference first round, Evander Kane said the Edmonton Oilers are rising to the Stanley Cup Playoff challenge.
(This article was originally published on 08.05.2022)
The Oilers, 14/1 to lift the Cup and 1/7 to progress past the Kings, dropped game one of the best-of-seven series 4-3, before rallying to win games two and three 6-0 and 8-2.
Kane is shining in play-offs
In the most recent wide-margin victory, 30-year-old Kane scored a hat-trick to take his goals total to five in the three games - with an assist too, he has six points which joint leads all players in the play-offs.
Kane joined the Oilers after being waived by the San Jose Sharks in January and says he feels back to his old self after a turbulent time off the ice.
When Edmonton added Kane, they sat outside of the play-off positions, but helped by his 22 goals, 17 assists (39 points) and a coaching change, the Oilers finished second in the Pacific Division (49-27-6) and with home ice advantage against the Kings.
Kane is in a 14th NHL season and his third time participating in the play-offs. In 32 post-season appearances with the Oilers and Sharks he has 19 points (11 goals, eight assists).
Related NHL News
NHL: Giroux dreaming of cup with Panthers
NHL: Confidence growing in Oettinger
NHL: Hurricanes prove flexibility
NHL: Kaprizov shrugs off pressure
The Oilers lead all teams in the play-offs with 17 goals, and with five coming on the powerplay, their sensational 45.5 per cent conversion rate with the man-advantage is also best.
Kane said to the media: "I think our 5-on-5 game has gotten a lot better. Obviously, our special teams have been good throughout these three games.
"I think it's that time of year where you want to raise your game to a different level, and I think there's a lot of guys doing that right now."
