3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers lost 3-2 in OT against Carolina Hurricanes

The Edmonton Oilers blew a 2-0 lead in the third period against the Carolina Hurricanes to lose the game 3-2 in OT during the Frozen Frenzy event on Tuesday night. Connor McDavid had both goals for the Edmonton Oilers. Meanwhile, Shayne Gostisbehere, Martin Necas, and Sebastian Aho had the markers for the Canes.

Aho scored the OT game-winning at 4:3 seconds before the game was set to go to the shootout.

So, here’s a look at the three reasons why the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers lost against Carolina Hurricanes

#3. The Hurricanes didn’t quit

The Edmonton Oilers jumped to an early lead in the first. Then, a McDavid power-play goal made it 2-0 early in the second period. Just when it seemed like the Oilers would skate away with the win, the Canes didn’t quit.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour mixed up his lines and took advantage of the Oilers’ inability to adjust. The juggling worked as Gostisbehere capitalized on a power play that carried over into the third period. Then, Necas tied it at 13:29, sending the game to OT.

Ultimately, the Oilers were unable to hold off the Canes’ charge, leading to the blown lead.

#2. The Oilers' third-period struggles continue

The Edmonton Oilers’ woes reemerged on Tuesday night as they couldn’t hold the lead in the third period. Heading into the game, the Oilers had conceded nine goals in the third period this season, including two three-goal periods.

The Oilers were again unable to buckle down and keep the Canes at bay. Instead, the Canes exploited the Oilers’ defensive weaknesses, eventually catching a break. The best example is the Necas goal in which he made the Oilers’ defense look out of place.

In particular, Oilers’ blueliner Darnell Nurse got caught puck-watching as Necas darted in from of him to score the goal. The Oilers failed to shore up their defensive approach, allowing the Canes to chip away at the lead.

All the Canes had to do was wait for their opportunity, just as they did in overtime.

#1. The Oilers ran out of gas in OT

The Canes seemed to find another gear in the OT period. After McDavid and the Oilers dominated the first half of the OT period, the Canes took over in the latter half, making the Oilers look completely gassed.

Specifically, the game-winning goal came on a 2-on-1 following a turnover in the Carolina zone. Necas made Leon Draisaitl look lost on the play as he slid the puck over to Sebastian Aho for the goal. Meanwhile, the two Oilers’ defenders were late to the play, essentially giving the Canes all the time and space needed to bury the winner home.

The Oilers will have a couple of days to lick their wounds before taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night at Rogers Place.