I was convinced the Oilers were the better team entering this series and I still believe that. But the Oilers need to play smarter. Certainly they will play with more passion returning home after an embarrassing 7-0 road loss to San Jose.

The Oilers shouldn't be nervous like they were at home in Game 1. They also should play with more discipline being short-handed more than any team in the playoffs so far.

There are a lot of other due factors here that should add up such as the Oilers winning more faceoffs. San Jose is not a good faceoff team. Connor McDavid hasn't scored a point in two straight games. The last time that happened was Jan. 31 and Feb. 2.

The Oilers have too much offense from other players if the Sharks continue to key and go after McDavid.

Perhaps it's a leap of faith to envision all this happening. But it should be noted the Sharks have lost seven of their last nine road games, while the Oilers have won 10 of their past 11 home games.