Oilers ready to respond after blowing Game 1 against Stars: ‘We’re a confident group’

Game 1’s, man.

These Edmonton Oilers just don’t seem to like them, going 4-12 in them in the McDavid/Draisaitl era, now dropping two of three in these playoffs.

While the Oilers held a nice 3-1 lead over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 on Wednesday, they imploded with sloppy penalties and a penalty kill that did them no favours, eventually losing the game 6-3.

But as they have in past series, they’re ready to respond in Game 2 on Friday night.

“This group has always responded to these types of situations pretty well and I expect the same tomorrow night,” said Oilers captian Connor McDavid Thursday. “We’ve had disappointment in various different runs and varies times in these playoffs and responded really, really well. I expect to do that again tomorrow.

“We’ve been really good in high-pressure situations, high-pressure games. Game 2 is one of those and we have to find a way to get a win here. There were a lot of positives that came out of Game 1. We didn’t find a way to get a win, but I don’t think we need to change a whole lot.”

McDavid’s right — there’s lots of good from that Game 1. They controlled the pace of play all night, looking strong at five-on-five, dominating the shot attempt share, scoring chance share and expected goal share.

That’s a good sign for the team, indicating one area they really need to clean up: their discipline and subsequent penalty kill.

“We were really good for 40 (minutes) and really bad for 20,” McDavid added. “Ultimately that’s what it came down to and where it got away from us was obviously the kill. We can’t put ourselves in that position. We had a two-goal lead in the third and took a couple of penalties and we have to find a way to get a kill in the third. Giving up three is obviously not good enough.”

The Oilers have never lost their confidence at any point, and now is no different.

“We’re a confident group even though we’re down one here,” said Connor Brown Thursday. “But at the same time, they’re a dangerous group. They have a lot of firepower and can capitalize on their chances, so checking is really important for us and making sure we’re eliminating those.”

While Brown wasn’t a participant in Friday’s morning skate, but is expected to draw in on his regular spot on the third line.

Game 2 is set for 6:00 pm MT.