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Question Marks Still Surround the Edmonton Oilers Blue Line

By Warsame A

EDMONTON, AB - DECEMBER 22: Adam Larsson #6 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 22, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - DECEMBER 22: Adam Larsson #6 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 22, 2018 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Tampa Bay Lightning handed the Edmonton Oilers their third straight loss by the score of 6-3. Questions need to be asked about the blue line giving up 45 shots last night.

The Edmonton Oilers suffered their third straight loss last night facing off against the Tampa Bay Lightning. To be frank, it was to be expected since the Oilers have been in a slump as of late. Also facing off against the best team in the league at the top of their game wasn’t going to help their chances in winning the game.

It would have been a miracle if the Oilers did pull off the upset win, but it wasn’t meant to be. The path for that wild card spot has just gone a bit narrower as the losses keep piling up for this franchise.

The only positive thing to come out from yesterday’s loss is that a bunch of other western conference teams also eaten defeats as well. The Edmonton Oilers did play a competitive game against the Lightning right up to the third period where Tyler Johnson and Steven Stamkos cemented a Tampa Bay victory.

The Oilers held their own against three deep lines, and Mikko Koskinen had to play double duty not only as a goaltender but also as the Oilers only defensive player on the ice. Giving up 45 shots on net is not only inexcusable but also downright bad, especially for a team that is trying to stay alive in the Western Conference.

This game was a perfect example of why the Edmonton Oilers need to focus their attention on beefing up their blue line. It’s always been an Achilles Heel, and now with the recent injuries of Oscar Klefbom, this team needs to make some moves and adjustments to beef up their defensemen.

There is a strong possibility that Andrej Sekera might be coming back in January but don’t keep your hopes up. He suffered a nasty Achilles injury that’ll take time for him to fully recover even after he comes back to the lineup. Some trades will have to be made on the blue line to give their goaltender a shot to win games on a consistent level.

If not, the Edmonton Oilers will be right back to where they started at the end of last season, lottery purgatory.

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