What a playoff run this has been for the Edmonton Oilers so far. From being two games down against a seemingly unstoppable Los Angeles Kings team, to winning six straight games in a comeback fashion on their way towards a second consecutive Western Conference Final, the Oilers sure know how to play entertaining hockey.

Part of what has made these playoffs so special has been the many players whose names are not Connor McDavid and Leon Draistaitl, stepping up at the right time. Some of these players have include Calvin Pickard, Corry Perry, Kasperi Kapanen, and of course, Evander Kane.

Missing a whole season, there were never guarantees that Kane would be joining the team for another playoff run. With the Oilers halfway into their quest to the Stanley Cup, Evander Kane has been a big part of the journey and his reunion with the big club could not have come at a better time.

Let’s dive into what makes Kane an X-factor for the Oilers.

Kane’s offensive output with Edmonton

When it comes to the offensive production for the Edmonton Oilers, McDavid and Draisaitl are the leaders on the ice and are constantly expected to lead the charge. These playoffs have certainly been no different with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the team with 17 and 16 points, respectively. However, one of the welcome trends these playoffs has also been seeing the contributions of the Oilers’ depth. As it currently stands, only three Oilers’ players (Josh Brown, Ty Emberson, and Troy Stetcher) have not recorded a playoff point so far.

Kane has been an absolute presence around the crease, collecting seven points in 10 games which is good for sixth best on the team. This includes a two point performances in Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights which caused Adin Hill to leave his crease to “celebrate” with Kane after Adam Henrique’s second goal. Kane’s current playoff point total is only one point shy of last year’s playoff total of eight, which was accomplished in 10 more games.

Creating a presence on the ice

Speaking of Adin Hill leaving the crease, Evander Kane is certainly not afraid to stir up the pot and get under the skin. Look no further than Game 4 against the Golden Knights, where a clearly rattled and frustrated Hill chased Kane into the corner after Kane was pushed into Hill by a Vegas player.

Edmonton can often be seen as a timid team. They are not necessarily known for having a player of Brad Marchand, Jamie Benn, or Tom Wilson caliber and to be honest, there is not always a need for a player of such skill set. However, Kane has been able to toe the fine line between being a pest and standing up for his teammates while doing his best to keep himself out of the penalty box. Kane has 10 penalty minutes in 10 games which is certainly a better pace compared to last year’s 37 minutes in 20 games.

Another aspect of Kane’s game that has been truly appreciated is his physicality. As it currently stands, Kane is third on the team in hits with 43. He is simply not afraid to throw himself at an opponent in order to lay a game changing hit. More importantly, on a team that is not particularly known as hard hitting, Kane is helping to make sure that the opponents take notice and think twice before going after the Oilers’ star players.

Kane exudes confidence both on and off the ice

Lastly, let’s talk about Kane’s confidence, something he does not appear to be low on. Videos of Kane arriving to the game in Rolls Royce have graced the social media and have made for some fun playoff content. But beyond the glossy appearances, there is a confident player on the ice that the Oilers desperately needed.

With their six straight come from behind wins (and many other during the regular season), the Oilers have created a reputation and cemented an identity for themselves of a resilient team. Whether it is one goal or multiple goal deficit and whether it is one period to go or 30 seconds left in the game, these playoffs have shown that you simply cannot count the Oilers out until the final buzzer.

Kane provides that confidence that the Oilers need to continue executing their identity of resilience. When the chips are stacked against you, the morale on the bench can be low and there needs to be a guy to stand tall and keep playing a meaningful game even if it feels like you are bluffing. Kane is that guy for you, someone who is not afraid to hit, fight or simply shoot the puck in order to create the next big play to get the momentum going.

As the Oilers prepare for their second consecutive Western Conference Final, look no further than Evander Kane to provide the spark and be a difference maker in a series that will be sure to feature exciting hockey.

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