Last night's NHL action was a rollercoaster for both the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings, as they struggled to maintain third-period leads. The Oilers let a two-goal advantage slip away, while the Kings watched their 2-1 lead against the Vegas Golden Knights turn into a 6-4 defeat. Vegas exploded with five goals in the final period, including a rapid-fire trio within just over three minutes, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
What stings even more for the Kings is that Vegas pulled this off without several key players, including Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. This loss leaves the Kings three points shy of the last wildcard spot, with a potential playoff rematch looming on the horizon.
Artemi Panarin, the Kings' recent acquisition, commented on the team's defensive lapses, emphasizing the need for improvement after conceding five goals plus an empty-netter. Panarin made an impressive debut with two assists, skating alongside Adrian Kempe and Alexis Laferriere.
The Kings hope Panarin's presence will rejuvenate a power play that struggled before the Olympic break. While they went 1-for-1 on the power play, their even-strength offense remained lackluster, managing only 19 shots on goal.
Coach Jim Hillier acknowledged the offensive struggles, noting the team's lack of dangerous play. The Kings' home performance has been particularly concerning, with a disappointing 8-12-7 record after setting a franchise-best home record last season.
General Manager Ken Holland made a bold move acquiring Panarin, but the Kings have now dropped three straight games. They're precariously positioned, closer to being overtaken by Nashville and San Jose than securing a playoff berth.
For the Oilers, tightening up defensively didn't pan out as planned. Despite limiting the Ducks to six High Danger Scoring Chances, they still allowed six goals, highlighting defensive mishaps and goaltending woes. Coach Kris Knoblauch expressed dissatisfaction with the goaltending, particularly in the third period.
Typically reliant on stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers showcased a more balanced attack with five different goal-scorers. McDavid, recognizing the road trip's importance, ensured his presence, while Drew Doughty and Joel Armia quickly returned from Milan to play for the Kings.
Both teams face little downtime to regroup.
Injuries have also been a factor, with Kevin Fiala suffering a significant setback during the Olympics. Adrian Kempe has been a bright spot for the Kings, tallying points in nine of his last ten games. Meanwhile, Oilers forward Trent Frederic is on the brink of a personal record for goalless games.
Anze Kopitar continues to etch his name in the record books, nearing Marcel Dionne's franchise points record. However, the Kings' penalty kill remains a vulnerability, ranking sixth-worst in the league.
Fans should keep an eye on lineup changes, especially with Mattias Janmark's status uncertain after leaving last night's game. The Oilers might have to juggle their roster, potentially playing with 11 forwards and six defensemen.
In the midst of these on-ice battles, there's also a chance for fans to contribute to a good cause with the Ben Stelter Foundation event. It's a perfect blend of hockey, fun, and philanthropy, offering a chance to support a meaningful initiative while enjoying the game.