It’s not as if the Oilers superstars haven’t had their chances in this series. That was certainly the case in Game 3, too.
On first-period power plays alone, the best of the Oilers had four excellent chances. Sergei Bobrovsky just got a pad on a Connor McDavid shot from the slot. Leon Draisaitl’s one-timer was stopped by Bobrovsky. An Evan Bouchard blast was turned around. Draisaitl set up McDavid for a chip shot, which the Panthers goalie gobbled up.
Zach Hyman and McDavid had those chances off the rush in the second period, too. But … nothing.
The Oilers have scored four goals in the series — one by Mattias Ekholm in Game 2 and the others by Warren Foegele, Philip Broberg and Ryan McLeod on Thursday. Those aren’t their drivers.
Edmonton entered the series with the three top point-getters of the playoffs in McDavid, Bouchard and Draisaitl. McDavid has three assists — including on the last two Oilers goals in Game 3. Bouchard has one. Draisaitl hasn’t recorded a point.
“It’s very frustrating, of course,” Draisaitl said. “I pride myself on being good in the playoffs and playing well, and I just can’t seem to find … to get anything going. Yeah, obviously have to look in the mirror and try to be better.”
GO FURTHER
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