(Edmonton) Leon Draisaitl had 28 points in the first three rounds of the playoffs. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had 20 and Zach Hyman had 18.
However, they were shut out in the first three games of the Stanley Cup Final.
This is one of the main reasons why the Oilers are down 3-0 against the Florida Panthers.
They are looking for answers to avoid being the first team swept in the Finals since the Washington Capitals in 1998, by the Detroit Red Wings.
“The Panthers are doing a good job,” said Hyman, who leads his team with 14 goals since the start of the playoffs. You have to give credit to their goaltender, but there are no excuses. You have to capitalize when you can, but I think the opportunities are there. »
Connor McDavid and company had several quality opportunities. It’s only a matter of time before the Oilers make a breakthrough, believes head coach Kris Knoblauch.
However, time is not on their side: they could be eliminated Saturday night at home, in game number 4.
“If you keep shooting, good things are going to happen,” Corey Perry said. By going to the net, good things will happen. »
If there is a fifth match, it would be presented Tuesday at Sunrise.
McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for 23 shots on goal in the final so far, without success.
The team is 0 for 10 on the power play in this series, after being so effective earlier in the playoffs.
But given a few posts and some stunning saves from Sergei Bobrovsky, the Oilers shouldn’t try to reinvent the brigade at this point.
Defender Evan Bouchard remains confident.
“We’re getting our chances, especially on the superior team,” Bouchard said. Looks like we’re getting a good chance on the power play.
“If we manage to score just once, the game takes on a new twist. We’ll have to make sure we take advantage of it when we have the chance. »
