3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 3-2 loss to Washington Capitals feat. Stuart Skinner

The Edmonton Oilers have to get used to life without superstar captian Connor McDavid, who received a three-game suspension from the NHL for his actions over the weekend against the Vancouver Canucks.

While the Oilers voiced their opposition to the suspension, they have no choice but to carry on without McDavid. Their first opponent without their captain was Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, who are having one of the most impressive campaigns in the NHL this season.

The Capitals added to their success with a 3-2 win over the Oilers, improving to 32-10-5, while Edmonton fell to 29-15-3.

Just 3:02 into the game, McDavid’s fellow superstar forward Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring with his 34th goal of the season. But Capitals veteran and agitator Tom Wilson tied the score at 1-1 just before the midway point of the first period.

First-year Capitals defenseman Matt Roy gave Washington the lead in the second period with just his second goal of the season. Washington carried their 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

Pierre-Luc Dubois notched his ninth goal of the season for the Capitals early in the third period, extending the lead to 3-1. Just 61 seconds later, Oilers veteran Corey Perry scored his eighth goal, cutting the deficit to a single goal.

Despite their efforts, the Edmonton Oilers were unable to find the equalizer. Logan Thompson was strong in net for the Capitals, making 30 saves, while Stuart Skinner struggled, stopping only 11 of 14 shots.

Edmonton Oilers players from to Washington Capitals

#1. Stuart Skinner

The Edmonton Oilers’ defense held the Capitals to just 14 shots for the entire game. Unfortunately, Skinner wasn’t up to the task.

He allowed three goals on 14 shots, finishing with a save percentage of .786. Goaltending remains the Oilers’ biggest question mark and could be the primary obstacle as they aim for another deep postseason run.

#2. Viktor Arvidsson

An ill-advised drop pass from Arvidsson led to the turnover that resulted in Wilson’s game-tying goal in the first period.

Arvidsson was also assessed with four giveaways in the loss, compounding his difficult outing.

#3. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

The longest-tenured Oiler and a player Edmonton desperately needs to step up in McDavid’s absence, Nugent-Hopkins failed to generate any offense against the Capitals.

Additionally, he committed five giveaways, contributing to Edmonton’s struggles.