The Edmonton Oilers are on the brink of elimination.
Hockey is a game of inches, and it unfortunately rang true for the Oilers in Game 3 on Wednesday.
After leading 3-2 for a majority of the third period, a pair of late goals — both deflections — found their way past Mikko Koskinen and the Oilers had just 1:14 to try and come up with an answer.
They couldn’t, and now trail the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in the best-of-five series.
Making matters worse, the game-winning goal was friendly fire, with Blackhawks defenceman Connor Murphy’s point shot deflecting off Ethan Bear’s stick, off the crossbar and in.
CONNOR MURPHY. 1:16 LEFT. 4-3 CHICAGO. WOWâźď¸#NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/c9aKYLsteU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 6, 2020
It was a stunning end to a game where the Oilers got excellent performances from both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl.
Draisatl was particularly impressive. After a quiet night in Game 2, the Art Ross winner and Hart Trophy nominee picked up a pair of goals and added an assist in Game 3.
Draisatl’s first goal came when he coasted unguarded to the left of Corey Crawford and buried a one-timer to tie the game up in the first period.
Just loves that spot. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/0QR029qdsP
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 6, 2020
After a fanned pass by Matthew Highmore, Draisatl was able to steal the puck and eventually get his second of the game after burying a juicy rebound in the slot.
DRAISAITL! AGAIN! #NHLonSN pic.twitter.com/yzHMDkQgrl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 6, 2020
Draisatl then picked up the primary assist on the Oilers’ third goal, taking a wrist shot that created a rebound that McDavid buried with less than 10 seconds left in the second period.
Dying seconds? Connor's on it. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/sqni71lvV6
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) August 6, 2020
The Oilers now find themselves needing to win the next two games to keep their season alive, and they may be down a few bodies as well.
The Oilers had Adam Larson missing from the lineup on Wednesday and his status for Game 4 and beyond is still unclear. Caleb Jones drew into the lineup in his place.
Tyler Ennis left the game in the second period with what appears to be a leg injury after taking a hit from Kirby Dach.
The Oilers had a record-setting 50/50 draw for this game and actually sold out of tickets after five hours, with the jackpot reaching a whopping $5,417,130.
Game 4 goes on Friday at 4:45 pm MT, with the Oilers’ season now on the line.
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