There was only a brief camera pan to Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman during Game 1, but his excitement on Jason Dickinson’s tying goal mirrored the thousands in attendance and many more across western Canada.

Bowman acquired the likes of Jason Dickinson, Connor Murphy, and Colton Dach at the Trade Deadline to fill specific roles, saying these players will help the Oilers become a team. Before the season began, Bowman also added crease insurance in Connor Ingram.

These fresh fingerprints were all over the outcome. Jason Dickinson scored twice, Connor Murphy had a team-high four blocked shots, and Colton Dach levelled seven hits in just 8:40 of ice-time in Edmonton’s come-from-behind 4-3 win in Game 1.

Ingram saved his best for last, with a little luck to boot, making 10 saves in the third period, and getting better the longer the game went along. He claimed his first playoff win. The first of (hopefully) many.

It’s a good thing, too, because a handful of the Oilers’ best players had uncharacteristic showings. Connor McDavid was muzzled, good early, but ultimately forced the play against a patient Ducks defence. Evan Bouchard lacked urgency and turned the puck over, leading to Leo Carlsson’s tying goal. Jack Roslovic seemed disengaged.

In fact, the experience-versus-inexperience storyline didn’t wash (or Washe) for the Anaheim Ducks either.

No one in the Anaheim lineup has more playoff games played than Alex Killorn, who took both minor penalties and finished minus-2. Radko Gudas’ crucial ice rut trip allowed the 3-3 goal to happen, and he didn’t play again. Chris Kreider’s turnover a stride away from the red line resulted in the 2-0 goal for Kasperi Kapanen.

Instead, playoff neophytes Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, Jackson LaCombe, and Lukas Dostal led the way. That’ll need to hold for the Ducks to make this a series.

Leon Draisaitl’s welcome addition to the lineup saw him collect two assists, but his sharp-shooter timing was off by a half step. However, he made the play of the game, lugging the puck with superior strength and balance between Carlsson and LaCombe to gain the zone with control on the Kapanen winner.

But the second period looked like much of the regular season for the Oilers. In the end, they came back, because often the Oilers come back, a handy habit against “Cardiac Quacks.” Man to man, they know they have more to give.

“We were very fortunate to get the win. By no means do I think we were the better team. It was split,” said coach Kris Knoblauch after watching the game back on Tuesday. “I’m expecting both teams to step up their game.”

On the other side, the Ducks played their strongest when they were pressuring the puck. Do they........

© Oilers Nation