4 things Edmonton Oilers desperately need to fix in Game 3
It may only be Game 3, but tonight’s outing versus the LA Kings feels like a must-win for the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers have put themselves in a hole early, as they have been outclassed by the Kings through the opening two games of this series, trailing 2-0 while being outscored 12-7.
While most figured this could be a difficult matchup for a banged-up Oilers bunch, they haven’t played anywhere close to the level they are capable of thus far. If they are to get back into this series tonight, they will need to be far better in these four areas.
Special teams needs to improve
Unlike the past three times these two teams have met up in the playoffs, it’s the Kings who are dominating the special teams battles. Their five-forward power play group has worked out to perfection, as they’ve converted on five of 10 opportunities so far, with the Oilers’ penalty killing group appearing lost for answers.
Not only will the Oilers’ penalty killing units need to be far better in Game 3, but discipline will be of the utmost importance.
The Oilers also need to find a way to be far better on the power play. Their usual elite group, which has shown up in big ways against the Kings in the past, have yet to convert on any of their five chances through the opening two games. It seems only a matter of time before they figure things out, and tonight could be the night the damn breaks in their favour.
Timely saves
Through the first two games of this series, Stuart Skinner has allowed 11 goals on 58 shots for a .810 SV%. To his defence, none of the goals have been particularly weak, as head coach Kris Knoblauch said following Wednesday’s 6-2 loss. That said, he hasn’t been able to come up with the big saves, and it’s proven costly.
Regardless of whether it’s Skinner or Calvin Pickard who gets the call in Game 3, the Oilers need timely saves from their goaltender. They are a fragile group right now, and a few big saves early in tonight’s game would go a long way in helping restore their confidence.
Split up McDavid and Draisaitl
Under several head coaches, the Oilers will often pair Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line. It is often a desperation move, making it somewhat puzzling as to why Knoblauch chose to do it in Game 2. It didn’t pay off, as the Oilers were only able to muster up two goals.
As good as the duo is together, having a more balanced attack makes the Oilers far more dangerous as a team. There are enough top-six wingers in this group to allow for McDavid and Draisaitl to centre their own lines, which they need to be doing tonight for a chance to get back into this series.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins needs to get going
When Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is at his best, this Oilers team is a significantly better bunch. The 32-year-old can be a game-changer, though there tend to be other nights when he isn’t very noticeable. The latter has been the case through the opening two games.
The Oilers need far more from Nugent-Hopkins, who has been held pointless in this series. He’s certainly capable of stepping up in the playoffs, as proven by his seven goals and 22 points through 25 games in last year’s Stanley Cup Final run.
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