Oilers' Yamamoto a popular linemate, pesky opponent

EDMONTON — He's far from the biggest player in the Oilers' lineup, but Kailer Yamamoto is making his presence felt in Edmonton's first-round series against the L.A. Kings.

With physical play well beyond his five-foot-eight, 153-pound frame, the 23-year-old right-winger has become an annoyance for opponents and a coveted asset in the locker room.

"You don't play in the National Hockey League at his size unless you have a giant heart," said Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft. "So he's got a strong willingness to play the game hard, to go to hard areas. And he's had success."

Yamamoto, picked 22nd overall by Edmonton in the 2017 NHL entry draft, cemented his spot in Edmonton's lineup this season, posting career highs in games played (81), points (41), goals (20) and assists (21).

He finished the campaign with six points (two goals, four assists) in the final five games.

“I started out a little rough but towards the end of the year, I think I've definitely picked it up and I think my game is definitely trending in the right direction," Yamamoto said ahead of Edmonton's decisive 6-0 win over L.A. in Game 2 on Wednesday.

The victory evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1 with Game 3 set to go Friday in L.A.

Yamamoto has continued to roll early in the playoffs, putting up two points — including his first post-season goal — in Game 1 on Monday.

The performance was a "perfect example of a Yamamoto game," said linemate Leon Draisaitl.

"He's in your face, he keeps pucks alive, he makes good plays when he has the puck," he said. "Just an all-around really good hockey player. He had a great first game and yet we need him to continue to play like that."

Last season, Yamamoto suited up for all four of Edmonton's first-round playoff