Edmonton Oilers Struggles Continue
The Edmonton Oilers lost their 7th straight game last night. The league leading Florida Panthers came into Edmonton last night a beat the Oilers 6-0. The Edmonton Oilers played what I think was their best first period I have seen them play this year, the second period was average, but then just like against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday the 3rd period was a disaster.
After the second period the Edmonton Oilers were leading on the shot clock 29-13, but still were still down 2-0. Then the third period happened, where the got outshot 15-11 and outscored 4-0. The game was in Edmonton’s control till Colton Sceviour took a penalty and once again Edmonton let in the first goal of the game while shorthanded. That was the 23rd time in the last 27 games that the Oilers didn’t score the first goal.
Another area where the Edmonton Oilers have struggled lately is on the special teams. Last night the Florida Panthers powerplay went 3/5 and the Oilers powerplay went 0/3. This was an area of strength for the Oilers earlier in the season, now it is something that is really hurting their team on a game by game basis.
As you can see from these highlights it was all Edmonton early on. As the game went on the Panthers started to get more and more chances till the game became a run away. With that being said the Oilers were still in this game going into the 3rd period. Then in the 3rd period on Aleksander Barkov‘s goal you could tell that the Edmonton Oilers were done. It was another goal from a shot from the top of the circles that you need your goalie to save. It was a quick release, but with a fragile Oilers team, Mikko Koskinen has to make that save.
The Edmonton Oilers will have a chance to get this season back in line on Saturday as they take on the Calgary Flames. If the Oilers are lacking emotion a battle of Alberta hopefully will wake them up. The season is getting to the point where games are getting to be must win and this interdivision game against the Flames is one I believe.