Here is another example late in the game. Again, the Oilers force the play much quicker here with a McDavid push. The Golden Knights kind of get back in structure, but the timing of the attack was such that the Oilers were on the move as a group into the zone. That created options.

However, it was relatively slim pickings for the Oilers’ big line most of the night. Take a look at all these clips from Vegas where the 1-1-3 simply forces a dump-in.

This neutral zone play even yielded a goal for the Golden Knights. Here, it was Leon Draisaitl who refused to dump the puck in despite having heavy backpressure and three Golden Knights in front of him. It was a classic neutral zone counter with one kicker.

I really don’t understand what Evan Bouchard is doing on this play. He needs to make sure Draisaitl either gives up the puck on a pass or a dump-in before ever deciding to join the rush on the outside. Instant 2v1 on the turnover, and Vegas was in the game.

Vegas executed their neutral zone strategy so effectively that Edmonton briefly split up the 97-29 duo for about 10 minutes. Nugent-Hopkins and Hyman joined McDavid instead. Although I’m uncertain about this decision, I understand the logic behind it. The original 97-29-90 line lacks a strong forechecker: Perry is slower, Draisaitl is battling injury and struggling to win puck battles, and McDavid hasn’t been as effective on the forecheck lately.

Adding Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins gave McDavid stronger forechecking support, reducing risky carries through traffic, like the one that led to Vegas’ first goal. This new line performed well in limited action, but left Draisaitl stuck with weaker linemates, producing poor results. Eventually, Edmonton reunited the original duo, who scored off a face-off to tie the game. However, overall, their expected goals percentage was below 50%, and Vegas missed Mark Stone for most of the game.

A key question heading into Game 4… If McDavid and Draisaitl stay together, who provides the forechecking? Hyman would be ideal, but his line with Nugent-Hopkins and Kane has been strong. Janmark has speed and forechecks effectively, but isn’t a long-term solution. Could it be time to consider Trent Frederic? Whatever the coaching staff decides will significantly impact Game 4.

The Goal Against

That was a tough goal to swallow. Although it felt like karma for the earlier McDavid goal, it was still difficult. It started with an unusual giveaway by Brett Kulak. Even though he had pressure, he also had open ice in front of him and could have skated forward. Instead, he turned the puck over.

At that moment, Frederic changed for Draisaitl. Usually, players coming onto the ice are taught to position themselves near center ice and force either a pass or a dump-in. However, Draisaitl moved forward aggressively, missed the steal attempt, and was easily beaten by Karlsson.

Finally, both McDavid and Nurse got caught puck-watching. Ideally, one player should have challenged the puck carrier while the other checked for trailing attackers. Neither did, and that sealed the outcome.

Leon Draisaitl really struggled tonight. He was at the root of the problems of two of the four goals given up by the Oilers. Whatever this injury is, it certainly impacts his skating and his ability to win puck battles. That said, the Vegas Golden Knights just played most of a game without Mark Stone and looked no worse for wear.

Stop The Hesitation

The Edmonton Oilers’ defence group needs to get into the play more. The impact Jake Walman had on the first Perry goal was massive. However, for the most part, the group has been very deliberate and very hesitant to move into the attack. It’s such that even when the Golden Knights are daring the defence to attack, they are not.

Look at this play by Brett Kulak. He has loads of time and space to skate up the ice. Instead, he fires a prayer pass into the middle of four Golden Knights just sitting on Edmonton’s forwards.

The Oilers’ defence needs to activate more with the puck and create some different looks for Vegas. In Game 3, it was a very static look, which was a big part of the anemic offensive play of the Oilers throughout this game.

Thoughts and Notes From Game 4

Darnell Nurse needs to stay paired with Evan Bouchard. While it may not be a perfect pairing, Nurse clearly struggles without him. Bouchard is the only partner Nurse has positive metrics with this series, so keep them together.

Pair Walman with Klingberg, and Kulak with Emberson. Emberson was impressive in limited minutes. He deserves more ice-time at home, even if sheltered. Alternatively, use Stecher to ease the workload. Paul Coffey must address this quickly.

The Oilers adjusted well by using McDavid more on the penalty kill. His speed and skating pressure Vegas effectively before they can set up with Eichel. Continue this strategy. Edmonton also improved their seam coverage significantly in this game.

On the forecheck, the Oilers need to be more aggressive. Dump-and-chase isn’t ideal, but Vegas’ defence is clearly struggling. Aside from Zach Hyman, the Oilers haven’t pressured these defenders enough. Instead of forcing carries, I’d like to see a strong 1-2-2 forecheck with F3 protecting the vulnerable middle ice area.

That’s it for Game 3. See you Tuesday morning. Happy Mother’s Day to all moms out there. Thinking of you, Mom. Love you.