This one stung.
The Edmonton Oilers lost to the St. Louis Blues on the first half of a back-to-back on Monday night, 3-2. Oilers newcomer Jack Roslovic opened the scoring in the first and in the second period there was a flurry of goals. The Oilers scored one from Andrew Mangiapane in the middle frame to go up 2-0 but by the second intermission, the game was tied, Blues rookie Dalibor Dvorsky scoring his first career NHL goal in the mix.
Then the game looked destined for overtime until the only 1:23 to go, Blues forward Pius Suter scores the game winning goal.
Not only did the Oilers choke up a 2-0 lead but they were less than a minute and a half away from a guaranteed point. Now, they travel to Dallas to play the Stars on the second half of a back-to-back.
On a positive note, captain Connor McDavid recorded his 1,100th career point. He hit the milestone off an assist in Roslovic's first period powerplay marker.
Calvin Pickard continues to struggle
It is hard to blame a goalie when you lose such a close game but Calvin Pickard has struggled to start the season. Before tonight, the veteran netminder had a 2-1-1 record in four games with a 3.50 goals against average and a .846 save percentage.
In this game, he was not much better allowing three goals on only 22 shots, for a .864 save percentage. Also giving up this goal made his goals saved above expected go from a positive to -0.81 (according to moneypuck.com)
Had he been able to hold the fort for just a minute or so more, the game would have went to OT and he would have given his team a point. Now, his record on the season moves to 2-2-1 and his save percentage slightly improves to a .855.
Oilers outplay Blues but still lose
The Oilers started the game on Monday night on time, scoring the opening goal on the man advantage. They then also added another goal to go up 2-0 but still lost. By the end of the game, the Oilers both outshot and outchanced the Blues, with a higher expected goals at both 5-on-5 and all situations.
It is a good 'process' loss because if the Oilers play like this game, they will the majority of the time but because of bad bounces (or bad shooting luck with only one minute and a half to go).
The Oilers have the chance to redeem themselves as they take on the Stars on Tuesday night. That game will feature Stuart Skinner in the starter's net and hopefully they bring their best once again and are rewarded for it.