The Oilers have a very important exam to pass

UPDATE DAY

Having failed miserably in Game 3 of the series against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday, the Edmonton Oilers know another loss could spell the end of the 2023 playoffs and they intend to make a bigger effort. statement.

Defeated 5-1 in front of their home crowd, the men of head coach Jay Woodcroft saw their rivals reverse roles compared to the previous meeting, which the Alberta team had won by an identical score in Nevada. To the chagrin of their fans, the Oilers delivered a poor performance and their main tenors, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, remained silent. Left to his own devices, goalkeeper Stuart Skinner took the path of the bench in the second period in favor of Jack Campbell.

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So it's time to go back to the drawing board and we will have to make the corrections quickly. A 3-1 deficit in the series would be quite a challenge, as the opponent still finished the campaign atop the National Hockey League Western Conference.

“We have already rebounded. The next meeting will be important for us, I understand that. And I expect the sense of urgency to act to be on the rise. I'm planning our best game, that's for sure,” McDavid told Sportsnet.

“Now we have experience, having been through similar situations. It will be a test for us. We will have to work properly, added defender Darnell Nurse. We will fix everything, assume our responsibilities and give ourselves standards to respect.

Not good enough at even strength

If Edmonton wants to continue their run for a long time, improving their even strength game is essential. The effectiveness of his numerical advantage is widely recognized, but if the referees impose few penalties, as was the case on Monday, it is necessary to know how to find alternatives. The Oilers' first full power play in Game 3 unfolded with less than five minutes remaining in the game.

“Most of the game is five-on-five and you have to s 'improve there,' McDavid agreed.

“We'll fix the flaws found here,” Woodcroft promised. Taking blame honestly is part of this process. Then, you have to give the club a game plan that they can follow to the letter. We know it all fell short in the last game and we'll make sure it doesn't happen again.”

TVA Sports will air the fourth clash of the series on Wednesday at 10 p.m.