Skinner lit up, first-period disaster, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers lost 5-3 to Pittsburgh Penguins

The Edmonton Oilers lost a tough 5-3 game to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night at the PPG Paints Arena. The defeat snapped the Oilers’ four-game winning streak, while the Penguins snapped their own four-game skid.

Leon Draisaitl scored twice with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins adding a power-play goal for the Oilers. Meanwhile, Rickard Rakell, Byran Rust, Kevin Hayes, Drew O’Connor, and Sidney Crosby (PPG) scored for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Edmonton Oilers lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers lost to Pittsburgh Penguins

#3 First period disaster

The Edmonton Oilers suffered a first-period disaster as the Penguins jumped out to a 4-1 lead. The Pens outshot the Oilers 13-7 in the opening frame, making the most of their scoring chances.

By the six-minute mark of the second period, the Pens were up 5-1 and didn’t look back. While the Oilers tried to get back into the game, it was too little, too late. The Penguins had built up a significant lead, managing to close the game down in the third period.

#2 Lack of depth scoring

The lack of depth scoring has been a huge story for the Edmonton Oilers this season. Leon Draisaitl had two goals on the night, while Connor McDavid had three assists. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a power-play tally.

But that was all the scoring the Oilers got on the night. The middle six was nowhere to be found with players like Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner, and Zach Hyman failing to get on the board. Hyman had an assist, but could not manage much else in over 23 minutes of ice time.

Meanwhile, top blue liner Evan Bouchard got an assist, but could not drive the offense from the back end. Bouchard got a team-high 10 shots on goal but was unable to find the back of the net.

As a result, the Oilers’ overreliance on their top stars once again came back to haunt them as they could not overcome the Penguins on Thursday night.

#1 Skinner lit up

Stuart Skinner has been playing very well this season. However, it appeared that it was time for one of his bad outings.

On Thursday night, Skinner gave up five goals on 26 shots, looking especially shaky in the first period. For instance, Rakell’s opening goal was a rebound that Skinner could not control after making the initial save on a point shot.

Rakell picked up a loose puck that Skinner nor Bouchard were able to corral, leading to the game’s first goal.

While Skinner settled down after the first period, the damage was already done. The Oilers could not come back, leaving two points on the table.

The Oilers will be back on the ice on Saturday night as they visit the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.