Regardless of the Edmonton Oilers’ ongoing defensive struggles, Brett Kulak is quietly placing collectively one of many higher seasons of his profession. Scoring once more on Saturday in a 7-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks, the Edmonton native is on monitor for a career-high in factors, simply two targets shy of his private finest by means of solely 15 video games. Though not with out flaws, Kulak has develop into one of many Oilers’ extra dependable defensemen.
This season, Kulak has been discovering clear capturing lanes extra incessantly than ever. With a capturing proportion of 19%, he has shattered his earlier profession excessive of 5.9%. To this point, Kulak has registered 5 factors, 4 of them targets, giving him the second-highest aim whole amongst Oilers gamers this season. Impressively, he’s on tempo for a 21-goal season, which might surpass his profession excessive by a powerful 15 targets.
The Kulak-Emberson Duo
Alongside along with his robust season personally, Kulak has discovered chemistry with Ty Emberson, a younger defender who has struggled to search out his footing within the NHL. Many attribute his struggles to the revolving door of gamers partnered up with him. Discovering Emberson a everlasting companion has proved to be harder than many anticipated. Fortunately for the Oilers, Kulak is seemingly that individual.
The Kulak-Emberson duo has been in a position to produce 30 high-danger probabilities whereas solely letting 19 high-danger probabilities slip by them, the perfect numbers produced by an Emberson duo this season. Out of all of the gamers partnered with Emberson, Kulak has been finest in a position to elevate his sport. Kulak isn’t simply having a robust season individually; his means to instill confidence in youthful defensemen is essential for addressing the crew’s defensive lapses.
Amid early criticism of the Edmonton Oilers’ protection, Kulak has emerged as a gentle and dependable choice. His improved offensive manufacturing and knack for locating clear capturing lanes make him a key contributor on the blue line. Moreover, the chemistry he’s developed with Emberson is essential for the Oilers’ long-term success.
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