First off, the Oilers had an outstanding first period. Not only did they outshoot San Jose 9-6 after 20 minutes, but they outhit them 22-4. Edmonton came out of the gate with plenty of momentum and physicality, and thanks to that, they barely let San Jose put on too much pressure.
Zack Kassian broke the tie in the second period. Working on the penalty kill, he poked the puck away and then got it back to Mark Letestu, who passed it back to Kassian to send him on a breakaway. Kassian had no problem getting the puck past Martin Jones and gave the Oilers the lead.