Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have long been referred to as “The Dynamic Duo” for the Edmonton Oilers for years now. In their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks this spring, however, Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen are every bit as deserving of this moniker.

Podkolzin and Kapanen have combined for 10 points in five games this postseason, and their play-driving is equally impressive. When at least one of them is on the ice at five-on-five, the Oilers are plus-seven while controlling 56 percent of the expected goals. Without them, Edmonton is minus-three with a 45 percent expected goal share.

Podkolzin and Kapanen have been reliable contributors all season, particularly when playing together. They outscored the opposition by 9 goals in just under 300 minutes with one another during the regular season. But they’re elevating their games to an even higher level at the most important time of year. And the team has needed them to.

McDavid is labouring from an ankle injury he suffered in game two, and Zach Hyman hasn’t been nearly as lethal since returning from a late-season injury. Both have failed to outscore the Ducks at five-on-five, which would normally be a death sentence for the Oilers. The dominance of two of their more underrated wingers, however, has kept them in the series, two wins away from the second round. Let’s look at how they’ve done it.

The game tape

The Ducks have overwhelmed the Oilers throughout the series with speed and........

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