Edmonton Oilers Drop Humiliating Game 4, But Can Recover

The Edmonton Oilers fell 7-0 to the Sharks Wednesday. This marks one of their worst performances in the recent months. San Jose tied the series at 2.

First off, the Oilers did not get off to a good start. They surrendered a goal barely 15 seconds into the first period, and then took a penalty soon after, putting them in an early 2-0 hole. Edmonton not only appeared sluggish but didn’t show too much fight or concern. The Oilers let the Sharks walk all over them and take their time in the offensive zone.

Edmonton Oilers

Additionally, the Oilers’ defence was dreadful. The Sharks went 4-for-8 on the man advantage, and capitalized on all of their chances. The defenders simply stood there and had no physicality or stride to stop the opposition. The Oilers went from having a steady PK and solid defence to surrendering seven goals.

Not only did Edmonton give San Jose too much space with the puck, but they played a poorly disciplined game. The glowing example of this comes from Leon Draisaitl, who was ejected for his spear against Chris Tierney. Though he probably let his emotions and frustration overpower him, but he will likely face discipline from the NHL and possibly have a game suspension in his future, which will put his team at a critical disadvantage.

Though he probably let his emotions and frustration overpower him, but he will likely face discipline from the NHL and possibly have a game suspension in his future, which will put his team at a critical disadvantage.

The Oilers also had no chemistry from any of their lines, including the power-play unit that went 0-for-4. Connor McDavid had some good looks, but couldn’t capitalize much, especially with Anton Slepyshev. Todd McLellan will surely look at the lines and shuffle them prior to next game and will look to get a spark and find a way to get past Martin Jones.

Rebounding

If the Oilers want to bounce back, they will have to shuffle their lines, rethink and evaluate their time with the puck and make themselves more physical from the moment the puck drops. Edmonton also needs to maintain puck possession and spend more time on the forecheck.

Lastly, Cam Talbot will have to find a way to bounce back and avoid being beaten glove side. He seemed to struggle greatly between the pipes, which shouldn’t have happened considering his strong start to the series. In his defence, the team left him out to dry.

Overall, the Oilers have a lot to adjust before they go out for Game 5, or they will surely see themselves on the verge of elimination.