Oilers’ Secret Playoff Weapon: Perry, Kane, and McLeod’s Cohesion

The Evander Kane, Ryan McLeod, and Corey Perry line for the Edmonton Oilers is looking like it could be a force for the team. Unfortunately, it also looks like there might be trouble brewing between Perry and Kane. If they can put their issues aside, that line’s success is coming at just the right time as the team has seven games remaining in the regular season and clinched a playoff spot with their 6-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Friday. If the friction is more than just a single play where two competitive guys had a heated conversation, Edmonton may lose the effectiveness of a potent trio.

McLeod’s speed, Perry’s veteran savvy, and Kane’s physicality and scoring ability are the perfect blend on paper. Kane finally experiencing a breakthrough from his goal-scoring drought is only a sign things are looking up. But, these three need to stay on the same page.

The Perry, Kane, and McLeod Mix Works for Oilers

Perry has brought to the Oilers’ lineup a missing ingredient the team sorely needed. He’s not afraid to mix it up, get under the skin of the opposition, and he’ll play any role on any line, producing when put on the ice in that role. Kane, struggling with puck possession and making costly turnovers, managed to relieve some of the pressure on his shoulders by scoring two crucial goals, ending a 22-game scoring drought. His second goal marked his 23rd of the season. He said after the game there’s no better place to play than Edmonton and the fact he’s feeling positive again about his game is big news. By Saturday, however, he was at odds with another linemate. Again…