Give Jussi Markkanen credit where credit is due: After a poor night between the pipes on Wednesday (Note: In fairness, some say he didn't play that badly and didn't have a chance on at least three goals), he comes back Saturday night with a first-star performance as the Oil beat the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1.
He stopped 24 of 25 shots (a .960 save percentage for that one game!). Only the ever-opportunistic Rod Brind'Amour beat Markkanen.
But to be good, you've also got to be lucky. The Oil got lucky with the deflection off Ryan Smyth's stick to get the go-ahead goal with about two minutes left.
Actually, both goals that beat 'Canes netminder Cam Ward were deflections.
The Oilers managed to control the 'Canes power play -- however, I'd be a happier guy if the Oil didn't screw up two-man advantages and potted the occasional goal when given such a gift.
Moving forward, this has got to be a major confidence booster for both Markkanen and the Oilers as a whole.
My prediction is this: If the Oilers win again Monday night, they will win the series and their first Stanley Cup since 1990.