McDavid, Draisaitl lose steam, Skinner miscue, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers lost 4-3 in OT against LA Kings

The Edmonton Oilers lost an exciting game 4-3 against the LA Kings in overtime on Saturday afternoon at the Crypto.com Arena. The Oilers blew a 3-2 lead early in the third period, forcing the game to overtime.

Quinton Byfield scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, with former Oiler Warren Foegele and Tanner Jeannot getting the other tallies for the Kings. Meanwhile, Kasperi Kapanen continued to roll with the Edmonton Oilers, opening the scoring at 9:43 of the first. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (PPG) and Viktor Arvidsson also scored for Edmonton.

So, here’s a look at the three reasons why the Edmonton Oilers lost to the LA Kings in overtime.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers lost to LA Kings

#3 The Oilers were outmatched

Saturday afternoon’s tilt was mostly even-matched throughout. The score reflected that narrative as the game was tight throughout. However, the Kings outmatched the Edmonton Oilers, mostly boiling down to intensity.

The Kings outhit the Oilers 25-13, particularly with the Kings playing a grinding style that slowed the Oilers down. The Kings also got an edge in the faceoff circle, winning 54% of the draws. Additionally, the Kings blocked more shots, gaining a 15-11 edge.

Lastly, the most telling number is the 6-1 edge the Kings got in the shot column in overtime. It was evident from the numbers and the eye test that the Kings controlled the overtime frame, eventually leading to the game-winner and completing the comeback.

#2 Stuart Skinner misplayed game-winning shot

With the Kings pressuring in overtime, the Oilers botched a line change that gave Quinton Byfield and teammates control of the puck Oilers’ zone. As the Kings cycled the puck, Byfield moved the puck across the boards, setting up the game-winning shot.

Initially, Stuart Skinner claimed that Kings’ forward Phillip Danault caused interference. However, the replay showed that Skinner lost track of the puck. When he tried to slide across to make the save, Skinner was deep in his net and could not react to Byfield’s shot on time.

The shot easily beat Skinner on the top left corner, giving the Kings the win. Ultimately, Skinner was out of position, while the Oilers’ defenders allowed Byfield all the time and space he needed to bury the winner.

#1 McDavid, Draisaitl lost steam down the stretch

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl ended the game with an assist apiece. However, they failed to show up when the Edmonton Oilers needed their stars the most.

The Oilers’ top scorers did not manage to create any sort of danger in overtime, ceding the momentum to the Kings. The Kings took advantage of the Oilers’ lack of drive late in the game, taking the two points on Saturday afternoon.

The Edmonton Oilers will continue their West Coast swing as they face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday evening at the Honda Center.