Oilers look to turn page after devastating Game 3 loss

The Edmonton Oilers were eager to put their disappointing Game 3 loss behind them as they hit the ice for practice in Florida. After being forced to switch practice pads due to ice quality concerns, the team focused on moving past their 6-1 defeat to the Panthers.

Center Leon Draisaitl acknowledged that it was not the performance they wanted and emphasized the need to flush out the game and start preparing for the next one. With the series now standing at 2-1 in favor of the Panthers, Draisaitl, captain Connor McDavid, and the rest of the team knew they needed to elevate their game for the upcoming crucial matchup.

Winger Corey Perry emphasized the importance of not dwelling on past mistakes and instead looking ahead to the next game. The Oilers found themselves in penalty trouble early in Game 3, with four penalties in the first period alone. Despite their frustrations with some officiating decisions, they acknowledged that the Panthers capitalized on their opportunities and played their style of game.

The physicality and chippy play continued throughout the game, culminating in a line brawl in the third period. Draisaitl defended his team against accusations of losing composure, attributing the intense moments to the competitive nature of both teams.

Looking ahead to Game 4, the Oilers remained confident in their ability to bounce back from adversity. They have a history of responding well to tough situations, as seen in their comebacks earlier in the playoffs. Draisaitl expressed belief in the team’s resilience and their readiness to deliver a strong performance in the next game.

However, the Oilers faced some challenges with key players missing from practice. Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who sat out Game 3 with an undisclosed injury, remained sidelined, adding to the team’s injury woes. Additionally, the team’s goaltending situation was up in the air, with coach Kris Knoblauch yet to name a starter for the next game.

Despite the uncertainty, the Oilers remained focused on regrouping and putting their best foot forward in Game 4. With the series hanging in the balance, Edmonton knew they needed to step up their game to even the score against a formidable Panthers team led by star players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand. As they prepared to face their opponents once again, the Oilers were determined to show what they were made of and fight for a chance to reclaim the Stanley Cup.