The Edmonton Oilers staved off a deeper playoff hole with a gritty comeback win in Game 3 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, but there’s still significant room for improvement if they hope to extend their postseason journey.
Trailing 2-1 in the series heading into Game 4, Edmonton clawed out a crucial 7-4 win on Friday night at Rogers Place. With just over six minutes left in regulation and the Oilers behind 4-3, Evander Kane’s twice-reviewed goal leveled the score. Evan Bouchard then buried the game-winner on a rejuvenated power play, giving Edmonton its first victory of the series.
“Playoffs are all about short-term memory,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “You win one, you move on. Tomorrow’s another huge one. If we go down 3-1, that’s tough. If it’s 2-2, it’s a new series.”
After falling behind early in the first two games, the Oilers struck first in Game 3 and finally converted on the power play, with Bouchard netting both goals. However, defensive struggles remain — the Kings have gone 7-for-12 on the power play in the series, including two late-period goals in Game 3.
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On the flip side, Edmonton showed signs of life from key returning players. Evander Kane, back from a season-long absence due to injury, made a major impact. John Klingberg, limited by injuries all season, also looked more confident in just his second playoff appearance.
But troubling stats continue to loom: Edmonton leads the playoffs in goals against per game (5.33) and holds a dismal .820 combined save percentage between goalies Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. With Mattias Ekholm still sidelined, the Oilers’ blue line lacks its usual composure.
Pickard, who started Game 3, made 24 saves but allowed a momentum-shifting goal just seconds after Edmonton had tied it — a soft one between the pads from Trevor Moore. Knoblauch hasn’t yet confirmed who will start in net for Game 4.
Despite the chaos, confidence remains high among the Oilers.
“We know what we’re capable of,” said veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “We’ve got a lot of good pieces. Game 3 was better, but we’ve got room to grow. Tomorrow’s a massive one.”
With memories still fresh from last year’s Stanley Cup Final loss — where Edmonton rallied from a 3-0 series deficit before falling in Game 7 — the team knows what’s at stake.
A win in Game 4 evens the series and gives the Oilers time to correct their weaknesses. A loss puts them back on the brink.
