In his first full season within the NHL, his rookie season the place he was a Calder Trophy finalist, Adam Henrique helped the New Jersey Devils attain the Stanley Cup Last. The Devils trailed 3-0 within the collection, received back-to-back video games however finally, misplaced to the Los Angeles Kings in six video games. That Last was in 2012.
Quick ahead 12 years and Henrique is again within the Last with the Edmonton Oilers, who’re in the same scenario because the Devils had been in his rookie season. This time, he’s a guiding hand for the Oilers not simply as a veteran however as somebody who has been there earlier than and is aware of what went mistaken. He is aware of why the Devils got here up brief and when attempting to finish the comeback, what the obstacles may be.
Henrique’s Journey
At 33 years outdated, Henrique is a veteran on the Oilers roster who had fairly the curler coaster to get again to the Cup. He spent eight seasons on a foul Devils workforce and 7 on a worse Anaheim Geese workforce earlier than he was traded on the deadline. His solely playoff expertise after his rookie season was in 2017-18 and the one time he reached the Last was in 2012.
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His profession offers a singular perspective for the opposite skaters, particularly the youthful ones, on the Oilers. He is aware of in regards to the strengths and weaknesses that youthful skaters convey to the playoffs and he can also inform the others on the workforce to cherish this run as a result of it might not occur once more for a very long time (working example, his profession).
The Oilers aren’t a younger roster however there are plenty of skaters on the workforce within the early phases of their careers. Dylan Holloway and Ryan McLeod are 22 and 24 however have 4 targets mixed on this collection whereas Evan Bouchard is 24 and main the defence. Henrique isn’t the explanation they’re profitable however they’ll flip to him as a mentor and he has offered a larger understanding of what it takes to recover from the hump.
How the Devils Unraveled within the Stanley Cup Last
The Devils had all of the momentum heading into Sport 6. The Kings managed the collection however two wins in a row gave them life and the prospect to drag off the uncommon reverse sweep, one thing that solely occurred 3 times earlier than (the Kings would pull off a reverse sweep in 2014) and solely as soon as within the Stanley Cup Last. Then got here the five-minute boarding main from Steve Bernier which additionally resulted in a sport misconduct.
This penalty got here solely 10:10 into the sport. With the Kings on the facility play, they took benefit and scored three targets to all however put the sport out of attain. Oddly sufficient, Henrique scored later within the sport however his purpose was the one one for the Devils all evening and the Kings received handily, taking the sport 6-1 and hoisting the Stanley Cup on their house ice.
The Devils had an opportunity heading into the sport however after the massive penalty, there was no hope. It doesn’t matter what period the sport is performed in, playoff hockey is when errors value video games. Certain the penalty was a tricky break however that’s all it took to sway the sport and finally, the collection.
How Oilers Should Method Sport 6
The Oilers should get out to a sizzling begin and rating early and infrequently. It’s one thing they’ve executed prior to now two video games and it’s allowed them to set the tone and management the tempo of play as properly. The Oilers, just like the Devils 12 years in the past, can’t fall behind early and extra importantly can’t make a giant mistake that forces them to chase the remainder of the sport.
Whereas Henrique is a valued depth participant with a fantastic journey, the celebs are what’s going to win this sport and the Cup for the Oilers. Connor McDavid has three targets and 5 assists within the final two video games and it’s all however given him the Conn Smythe Trophy whatever the end result of the collection. Together with McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman look to search out the again of the online a couple of extra instances and Bouchard will hope to open up the offence from the purpose.
Henrique received’t get plenty of ice time and understandably so. But, he generally is a huge a part of this sport. He’s stepped up within the collection, with a purpose and an help so as to add a spark to the underside six and he could make a distinction in an important Sport 6. In spite of everything, the most important second of Henrique’s profession got here in Sport 6, as he scored the game-winning purpose in time beyond regulation towards the Rangers to ship the Devils to the 2012 Stanley Cup Last. When he’s within the playoffs, he’s impactful and now could be when the Oilers want him most.
