Greasy rebound

Tonight's Game 4 is, as it is with for most playoff series, the pivotal match-up in these terrific Stanley Cup finals. Edmonton had a game to adjust to a new goalie in Game 2, to their detriment, while Carolina had to readjust to a better 'tender in Game 3. There are no excuses any more for either team. Jussi has shown he can play if he has to, even if he is on his back while doing it, and the Oilers have shown that they can crash the net to positive results as well. Call it even.

Though I give full credit to the play of the Oilers, I do think that the problem with the Hurricanes, who boast the most potent power play in the league, was ironically because of the amount of penalties which occured against both teams, especially in the first period. Sure, they performed beautifully on the PK, but the frequent call for special teams left the more-talented Canes looking for more consistency with their line changes. The Carolina's underrated Adamses on the fourth line, for example, received scant opportunity to wear down Smith and Pronger to the benefit of their more skilled teammates, and this lack of pressure hurt them in the third.

Also, we must see more out of Eric Staal. He is the most talented player on either team but has yet to shine in the finals. This could very well be his night if Peter Laviolette has anything to do with it. If the Canes coach can adjust his game plan with the same effectiveness that MacTavish did in Game 3, I would not be surprised to see the young'un from Thunder Bay explode for a three-point night. Now's the time to shine and I think the big kid has it in him.

Moreover, both Doug Weight and Ray Whitney need to contribute more. Again with the lack of consistent line changes, neither one of these generally-terrific veterans were up to their tasks in the building both had formerly called 'home'. I see them both improving.

What I see on the Oilers' behalf tonight is a continuation of a tightly-contested defensive battle, giving nothing away in the neutral zone and sticking it to the Canes on the power play. Yet I think their job will be to keep the game close rather than shutting off the taps completely, which I don't believe they have it in them. Markannen won't be as lucky as he was the other night (have you seen so many saves by a goalie on his back?) but he'll be good enough. Pronger will be as solid as ever and Horcoff and Smyth will likely believe that they're over their scoring drought. However, their scoring stars, in my humble opinion, will be probably the likes of Pisani and Samsonov, go-to guys in the previous rounds who might be slipping under the radar during the course of this series.

It will be close: Carolina will be looking for revenge but Edmonton has renewed confidence. I think the former will take it in a high-scoring affair.