Oilers vs. Sharks: Game 4 prediction
The Oilers and Sharks have provided a unique matchup of youth against experience through the series’ first three games, and will continue their battle in Game 4.
The Oilers bounced back from their home loss in Game 1 against the Sharks, finally losing their lack of experience and maturing quickly against a veteran lineup.
Edmonton lost a close 3-2 game in the series opener, and came back with huge performances in Games 2 and 3, winning 2-0 at home, and continuing their shutout streak with a 1-0 win in San Jose.
Both teams match up perfectly with each other, and aren’t equal in any fashion. The Oilers provide a lineup with little playoff experience, but a talented, young roster to produce fast-paced offense. On the other end, the Sharks have plenty of postseason experience, including an appearance in last year’s Stanley Cup against the Penguins, and have utilized their mileage to equalize the Oilers for a lot of the series.
The biggest way San Jose’s experience will help in this series will be the ability to fight back from a deficit. Having a team with the experience that the Sharks do, with a group of talented veterans like Joe Thornton, Brent Burns, and Logan Couture, gives them the chance to avoid any panic. Martin Jones in net will need to remain calm in the face of adversity, and the offense trio for the Sharks will have to spark some momentum for the hometown crowd.
For the Oilers, Connor McDavid’s impact cannot be overstated. The young star has a goal and an assist through three games and his team in the lead against the veteran Sharks, losing any inexperience rather quickly. His goal was short-handed, along with a power-play assist, to show his range in his impact, and he will need to keep it up in Game 4.
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Pick: Sharks 2, Oilers 1
The Sharks have too much riding on this key game with the Oilers, and will hope to utilize their fans in San Jose to even this series. The Sharks will have to contain McDavid specifically, and Jones will have to keep the game close in case San Jose’s offense can’t come together, but I think the Sharks even the series in a close 2-1 win in overtime.