Written by sidhanta

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The Edmonton Oilers can score like a Stanley Cup contender, of that there is no doubt. But can you say they can defend like a Cup contender?

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Do they have the defensive spine, the structure to win 2-1 and 3-1 games come spring? Do they have the composure to make an early lead stand up?

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After blowing period leads of 4-1 and 5-3 before winning 6-5 in overtime Friday — and choking on a 3-1 lead two nights earlier in a crucial divisional matchup versus L.A.

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“We have to learn how to play properly with the lead,” admitted two-goal scorer Zach Hyman, who has a career-high 24 in his first season as an Oiler.

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“In the LA game we were up 3-1 and it went to OT and the shootout. Then this game we were up 4-1 and 5-3, so that’s two leads that got away from us.”

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“Earlier on in the season we were playing from behind a lot,” Hyman pointed out. “Now we’re playing with the lead. We have to protect the lead and play smart.”

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It’s facile to simply blame the goaltending, especially on a night when Mike Smith allowed one smelly one out of the five, but Jordan

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Toronto Muslims are ready to celebrate Ramadan together after COVID

[{"selector":"#anim-f11cf1f9-f42b-4dee-9147-0de7f6c85ac2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(12.514648210040342%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more