Philip Broberg called to help Edmonton Oilers blue line

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NEW YORK — The original plan was for Philip Broberg to play his first game of the season in the season opener seven weeks ago.

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However, a lukewarm training camp and nagging injuries quickly shelved that idea, and Broberg began the year in the American League.

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Now he is back. There’s no better place to start over than Madison Square Garden.

“There are some bigger-than-life spots in the league, and MSG playing for the Rangers is certainly one of them. It’s also an experience, but an exciting opportunity in a great building.

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“I know it can be a little nerve-wracking, but when you make the first pass or hit it, it’s crazy. there is

With three wins in their last 10 games and a three-game road trip to start 0-2, the Oilers need help. They struggle to organize around their net, and another way to do that is to get the puck out of their zone and onto the forward’s stick as quickly and efficiently as possible. That’s where Smoothskate’s 21-year-old pack mover comes in.

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“When we’re not getting the results we want, we look at every aspect of the organization,” said head coach Jay Woodcroft. “Philip moves the puck well, defends with his feet and is big.

“What I love about Philippe is that he can also play on the right side. He contributed to the win and we know him well.”

Madison Square Garden is a big stage that can outshine even the most seasoned players, but the Oilers can’t afford to cherry-pick a landing spot. If he’s ready and they think he’s ready, they’re letting him in.

“I think he’s past the stage of being in awe of just being in the NHL,” Woodcroft said. I don’t want you.

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“He has certain strengths and certain talents, and we want him to play to those talents. I think that’s the benefit of having a really good player in the AHL, and I’m going to let him try it out here.”

The fact that Broberg didn’t let the team drop out of training camp was disappointing — the Oilers put him in the top six — but now it’s all about the reboot.

“He didn’t have the strongest camp he wanted, but he came down and worked on his game and played a lot of hours. We’re excited about his opportunity,” said Woodcroft. said.

Broberg has had a good seven games in the AHL, but we all know the last step is the hardest to succeed in the NHL. Best team right now With a team he doesn’t play defense, breaking in can be even more difficult.

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“This is the best league in the world. Players come quickly and it’s a game of mistakes,” Barry said. “Everything happens a fraction of a second faster. The play you’re thinking of, he’s already there for a second and someone is there to take it away.

“He’s clearly a high-pick, skilled guy and has all the tools to make those plays. Nerves aside, you’re just playing hockey.”

He’s been waiting seven weeks for this, and Broberg says it’s ready.

“I think I had a good stretch in the AHL and I feel like I’m playing well. I’m ready to go,” he said. “Injuries happen and they come with the game.

“I always try to improve every aspect of my game, but I think the defensive part is definitely something I’ve been working on over the last three years. I’m confident in my game. I am better than I was in training camp.”

The Oilers have sent strong defenseman Marcus Niemelainen to make room for Broberg. He brings some things they need, but they want Broberg to watch while Niimelainen polishes his pack skills.

“For Marcus, he is an important part of D’s future in our organization,” said Woodcroft. “We wanted him to play and run for a few minutes in the AHL as we would get Broberg up and running in the hope that more time would lead to his confidence. I have.”

Email: rtychkowski@postmedia.com

Twitter: @Rob_Tichkowski