Mattias Janmark triumphed over Teddy Blueger in the Game 7 showdown between former Golden Knights.
With the Edmonton Oilers’ victory in Game 7, Mattias Janmark, a former Vegas Golden Knight, triumphed over Teddy Blueger. The Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in Game 7, advancing to the Western Conference Finals to face the Dallas Stars. This matchup ensures a former Golden Knight will appear in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Janmark, who spent two seasons with the Golden Knights after being acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks during the shortened 2020 season, scored 10 goals and 30 points in 72 games during the 2021-22 season. He also played 16 playoff games, recording four goals and eight points, including a hat trick in Game 7 against the Minnesota Wild.
With the Oilers, Janmark has taken on a similar role as a bottom-six contributor, focusing on blocking shots and killing penalties. His production has been lower due to decreased ice time and shooting percentage.
The 31-year-old will face his former team, the Stars, in the Western Conference Finals, having previously spent four seasons with them, playing in 297 games.
Blueger and the Canucks’ season ended after a disappointing loss. The Canucks struggled to get into the game, which the Oilers capitalized on. Blueger, like Janmark, played a defensive role with limited offensive impact. Last year, Blueger won the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights, contributing three goals and eight points in 24 games.
The Latvian forward signed a one-year contract with the Canucks and is now a UFA.
Janmark and the Oilers face a tough challenge against the Stars, who have defeated the most recent Stanley Cup champions in their first two series. For the Oilers to succeed, they must find ways to counter the Stars’ relentless forecheck, a known weakness for Edmonton.
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