Frustrations were clearly running high for the Oilers. With just one goal from Corey Perry in Game 3 and just two goals from outside their top six in Games 1 and 2, it’s clear Edmonton’s depth needs to step up. With that being said, here are five players that need to show up if the Oilers want to come back.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, forward
Nugent-Hopkins is currently fourth on the Oilers in scoring this postseason but hasn’t managed to secure a point in the Finals and is a -3 so far. The former number one overall pick has been a big part of Edmonton’s top line with Connor McDavid and Corey Perry, which has an expected goals percentage of 56% in the playoffs, according to MoneyPuck.
If the Oilers want to win the Cup, they’ll need Nugent-Hopkins to start producing again, especially with winger Zach Hyman out for the postseason with injury.
Darnell Nurse, defenseman
Nurse has the third highest average ice time for the Oilers in the postseason but hasn’t put up as many points as Edmonton would want. He hasn’t scored a goal since Game 2 against Vegas and has no points in his last seven games.
While Nurse isn’t necessarily expected to produce like fellow defender Evan Bouchard, he plays a big role in their top four defense. The Oilers will need one of their longest tenured players to have a big Game 4 to help spark a comeback.
Trent Frederic, forward
Frederic was one of Edmonton’s acquisitions at the trade deadline, adding needed grit and depth to its forward group. The former 18-goal, 40-point scorer hasn’t had much success for the Oilers in the playoffs, scoring just one goal and adding three assists. Those four points rank 13th out of 14 forwards for Edmonton.
Frederic also has just 10 hits this series. If the Oilers want to counter the Panthers’ physical play, they’ll need Frederic to use his 6’3″ 221 pound frame to spark some offense.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, forwards
While it may seem strange to see McDavid and Draisaitl, who lead the playoffs with 31 and 29 points, respectively, on this list, it’s clear the Oilers go the way of their superstars. McDavid does have five assists in the series, including this highlight reel one.