Edmonton Oilers: Puljujarvi, Ellis Stealing Show at Camp
Edmonton Oilers rookie camp is underway, and it started off with a big 4-1 win over the Canucks’ rookies in game one of the Young Stars Classic in Penticton.
Though there were outstanding performances all-around, the most impressive games came from two players in particular. Right winger Jesse Puljujarvi and goaltender Nick Ellis were outstanding for the Oilers in their debut.
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Puljujarvi finished the night with three points, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Though his first goal came on a one-timer, giving the Oilers a 2-0 lead, it was the second goal that told more about his potential.
The Finnish winger started the breakout from his own end, speeding down the right side. He maintained possession and had the puck on a string as he came into the offensive zone. As he carried it and dangled it past the defenders, Puljujarvi shoved it top shelf and scored a beauty of a goal.
This kind of move is one that you see from an elite NHL scorer. It was an end-to-end tally that displayed the 18-year-old as capable of starting a breakout and making a big play.
Here’s the goal, for those who didn’t see it.
That is some serious Finnish finish. #YoungStars pic.twitter.com/jjxJqO5BrT
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 17, 2016
Overall, here’s how Puljujarvi stacked up for his first game, and how he look thus far. This only signals great things for training camp and makes the possibility of him starting in the NHL even more likely. He was also the stand-out “A” player of the game.
Jesse Puljujarvi
Right Wing, Edmonton Oilers
The other star from Friday was goaltender Nick Ellis. The NCAA alum proved to excellent in net. He stopped 33 of 34 shots, and the one that got past him was a deflection try from Marco Roy.
Not to mention, he had a certain poise in net and looked like a netminder who had more than just a debut under his belt. He was also quick on his feet and maintained good position. Ellis’ saves were impressive, and he knows the meaning of determination and skill. Great flexibility, gracefulness and strength were put on display in his big-time start.
Markus Niemelainen was among the best-looking defenders out there, and even put up a tally to open the scoring. Drake Caggiula was great, but he struggled at times with execution and generating opportunities. Without a doubt, however, he will bounce back, and the Oilers will look to keep the hot streak going as they take on the Flames Saturday.
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