What's Going Wrong With Edmonton?

The Oilers really dropped the ball on Game Three, didn't they.

It seemed like once the going got tough, Edmonton tried to "out-Panther" the Panthers. But no one is better at Florida's game than Florida. Maybe it was just frustration they needed to get out of their system. 85 penalty minutes and 11 powerplay opportunities for the Panthers isn't going to cut it. And sure, other things contributed to the Oilers' 6-1 loss in Game Three.

But what can they do better for Game Four?

Stuart Skinner

Stuart Skinner can be amazing. But he can also stink. And let's get one thing clear. This loss wasn't just on Skinner. But a .783 SV% and allowing five goals on 18 shots isn't amazing. He was off his game. In the clip below, Florida scores right off the face-off. Skinner pushes too hard off the post and finds himself out of position.

Skinner swam in the net and didn't look comfortable, which resulted in him getting pulled after the fifth goal. Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch maybe should have replaced Skinner with Cal Pickard right after the second period ended.

If Skinner starts in Game Four, he needs to lock in and make saves. Even if scoring chances are created as a result of mistakes. Evan Bouchard, who's great offensively, will make a turnover in the defensive zone, and Skinner is going to have to stop that.

Penalties

Both teams took way too many penalties in their offensive zone. But the Oilers cannot afford another game that gives the Panthers 11 chances on the power play. Florida converted on three power plays because Edmonton took a lot of undisciplined penalties.

It seems like Florida is getting under the skin of the Oilers, and Edmonton tried to return the favor. But it won't work. Jake Walman even started squirting water on the Panthers' bench.

When the Oilers had the opportunity to score on the power play, they only converted once. Corey Perry scored the lone goal for the Oilers, and it was a beauty. But Edmonton failed to score on the five other power plays. Knoblauch even changed up the power play unit by rolling two defensemen instead of one.

Breakouts

Florida's forecheck is brutal and effective. Edmonton has to clean up their breakouts and minimize turnovers. They are at their best when they can create chances off the rush. Failure to get the puck out of their zone gives Florida more time to punish Edmonton for their mistakes.

Edmonton thrives on the rush. They need to connect passes during the breakout to facilitate the attack. Too often, they flip the puck out without looking or pass to a winger who either isn't there or isn't ready.

We'll see how Edmonton responds in Game Four. But it isn't looking good. Other than the three points we discussed, if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins goes down (which he may be playing hurt), the Oilers are going to have a rough time.