Sometimes, you just run into a hot goalie.
On Tuesday evening, the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Washington Capitals, falling by a score of 3-2 to the team with the most points in the league. Let’s take a look at what happened in this game.
Whenever Connor McDavid is out of the lineup, Leon Draisaitl steps up. The same was true in Tuesday’s game, as the German centre scored just over three minutes into the opening period with the backhand for his league-leading 34th goal.
Unfortunately, the Capitals were able to tie it nine minutes into the first period, as an ill-advised drop-pass by Viktor Arvidsson gave the Capitals a 2-on-1. A cross-ice pass and a Tom Wilson tap-in later, and the game was tied.
Shortly after the Capitals’ first power play ended, Matt Roy’s seeing-eye shot beat a screen Stuart Skinner to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead just over nine minutes into the second period.
The Capitals extended their lead about four minutes into the final frame, as Pierre-Luc Dubois capitalized on what was essentially an open net after the puck hit the post. Probably the easiest goal he’ll score.
Just over a minute later, Draisaitl passed it over to Corey Perry, and the veteran slapped it home for his eighth goal of the season as nachos lay strewn on the ice. Despite pushing with a power play and empty net, the Oilers couldn’t find the equalizer, but at least there were no cross-checks exchanged!

Takeaways…

Leon Draisaitl’s early first period goal extended his league lead in goals as that was his 34th of the season. No other player has yet to hit 30 this season, with William Nylander’s 28 goals being the next-best total. His +27 is also near the top of the league in that stat, so there’s an argument he’s in the running for the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Frank J. Selke, and the Rocket Richard Trophy.
The power play struggled, as you can imagine without the best player in the world. It was difficult for the Oilers to gain a zone entry, leading to a 0 for 3 game. The obvious exception was their last power play with the net pulled, of course. While McDavid is out with his suspension, perhaps the Oilers should mix up the power play lines to see what players on the second unit can offer.
Edmonton may have killed off all three penalties they took, but that isn’t really the case as the Capitals’ second and third goals came shortly after the Oilers’ penalty had ended. Over the past four games, the Oilers have given up two goals twice, so that’s something to work on in the coming days.
Although the Oilers lost this one, they significantly outplayed the Capitals. Overall, they out shot the league-leading team 34 to 14, but just couldn’t beat Logan Thompson often enough. Skinner allowed three goals on those 14 shots for a .786 save percentage but didn’t have much of a chance on them.
The Oilers return to action on Thursday as they continue their six-game home stand. Next up is a rematch of Saturday’s game, as the Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks, the last time the two teams face off this season.
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