Connor McDaivd’s return, coupled with a decisive 4-2 victory against the Kraken, looked like a good sign for the Edmonton Oilers. However, the Edmonton team hit a rough patch once again against the Detroit Red Wings. Despite taking a two-goal lead early in the game, the Oilers struggled to close out the game, giving the Red Wings a chance to bounce back.

Things became even more frustrating for the Oilers when failed to convert shot after shot into goals. Ultimately, what started as a two-goal lead turned into a 3-2 loss in the shootout. And when the time came for Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch to comment on the loss, he found it difficult to put the loss into words.

Coach Knoblauch didn’t have the answer many may have expected

“I’m not sure I can put my finger on exactly what the change was,” answered Kris Knoblauch when discussing the momentum shift toward the Red Wings. The coach went with what he saw was lacking on the ice. “Whether it’s was five-on-five or the power play, I think we’re just you know missing that,” responded the coach on the Edmonton Oilers fading after the first period.

The coach also explained how the Oilers struggled to keep pace with Detroit later in the game. “They play a little bit quicker, a little bit faster,” admitted the coach. However, he also admitted that the Oilers got plenty of chances to put their opponents away with a third goal. Oilers’ alternate-captain Ryan agreed with his coach’s assessment.

Nugent-Hopkins highlighted where the Edmonton Oilers fell short while commenting on the Red Wings’ squad’s speed. “They’re a pretty fast team, and I think we gave them a little too many opportunities to play fast and spring each other on odd-man rushes and a couple of breakaways,” said the NHL player. However, despite the disappointing loss, the Oilers’ bottom line didn’t suffer owing to multiple factors, including some help from their rivals.

A silver lining for the Edmonton Oilers

Despite losing the game 3-2, the Oilers managed to retain their position at the top of the Pacific division table. Lady luck didn’t seem to completely turn her back on the Oilers, as their rivals, the Vegas Golden Knights, also lost their clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets beat the Knights 2-1 preventing them from taking the top spot.

Now the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights stand 10 points clear of the third-placed Los Angeles Kings with 68 points each. However, the Edmonton Oilers have reached 68 points after playing 51 games, as opposed to the Knights playing 52. It’s this silver lining that has ultimately dampened the heartbreak of losing a game where they had captured the lead.

Besides these favorable circumstances, Jeff Skinner also showed promise. While Connor McDavid was unable to shine after making his return in the last game against the Seattle Kraken, Skinner has now scored in back-to-back games. Skinner managed to score against the Red Wings goalie Alex Lyon, who put in a Herculean effort throughout the match.

Lyon stopped 45 shots and became the difference maker for the Red Wings during the shootout. However, Skinner was humble, despite beating Lyon on a tremendous night for the goaltender. Now the Edmonton Oilers coach and team will look to get back to their winning ways against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday in their final homestand at Rogers Place.