BLOG: Yamamoto brings the bite

EDMONTON, AB - Kailer Yamamoto's bite is beginning to catch up with his bark.
The 23-year-old notched his 20th goal and 40th point of the season last night against the San Jose Sharks, depositing a brilliant Leon Draisaitl feed past James Reimer in the second period of the Oilers 5-4 overtime victory.
The offensive production is an expectation for a 5-foot-8 player drafted in the first round (22nd overall), but the snarling intensity he has brought in the physical game is a little something extra.
"I've seen this player ever since he was introduced to the organization," Head Coach Jay Woodcroft said. "I think that tenaciousness is contagious amongst other people. He does a lot of work for other people, and because he does that, he is a popular request as a linemate."

You can hear the 5-foot-8 forward in the tunnel before the game, letting out a couple of barks before every game. It's that bulldog mentality that has allowed Yamamoto to thrive during a pressure period while the Oilers looked to clinch a home playoff game -- scoring two goals and five points in his last four games. In addition, Yamamoto has more than doubled his career-high in hits. His 114 bumps are fourth among Oilers forwards, behind the much larger Zach Kassian, Evander Kane, and Warren Foegele -- who are all 6-foot-2 or above.
"I think when I'm a little more physical I feel more into the game. I feel like I'm more engaged, I want to go get the puck more," Yamamoto said. "Back in the past, I was a little bit more passive. I wasn't sure whether to make that play or not make that play. I'm just trying to play my game this year. I'm going to do what I think is right and if it works out, it works out."
The strides in the Spokane, Washington native's game have been tangible under his new coach, and Yamamoto is being rewarded with more responsibility.

"Over the last few weeks, we've introduced him to more penalty killing time, and he's been a huge factor in the penalty kill going in the right direction," Coach Woodcroft said.
Yamamoto's short-handed time on ice has more than doubled since last season and he has been a component of the Oilers red hot kill which has been successful in 38 of their last 40 times shorthanded.
It seems like everything is clicking for Yamamoto under his new coach. In 36 games under Woodcroft, the winger has racked up 24 points (12 G, 12 A) -- in contrast to only 16 (8 G, 8 A) in his previous 55 contests.
"I think I'm finding my game a bit more in the last 30 games," Yamamoto said. "Things are starting to go in so I'm feeling a lot more confident. I'm trying to play my game and get better every day."

Yamamoto's feisty and agitating style of game is tailor-made for the NHL post-season. His blend of offensive skill matches the modern playoff game, while his willingness to get in and do the dirty work fits a throwback type of contest. The forward isn't feeling the pressure to perform in what will be his first playoff game in front of a raucous Rogers Place crowd.
"I love pressure hockey. As a competitor, you always want to be in those situations," Yamamoto said. "You always want to be in the playoffs, Game 7, you always dream about it, so I think pressure does bring out the best in me."
"This is going to be my first playoffs in front of fans and I'm excited," Yamamoto continued. "Talking with all the older vets they say this town is insane when it comes to playoff hockey, the fans are incredible. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully it's going to be a deep one and a fun one."

Tonight, against the Vancouver Canucks, he'll get the opportunity to show a little more of what he can do. Both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will be sitting out Friday's game against Vancouver in preparation for next week's playoff series against Los Angeles.
The extra ice time could be a showcase for Yamamoto, and maybe, another reason for coach Woodcroft to give the Oilers winger a little more leash when the post-season begins.