"Leon and McJesus need a huge night together": Paul Bissonnette outlines Edmonton Oilers's areas of improvement for Game 3

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified May 26, 2024 14:16 GMT

Following the Edmonton Oilers' 3-1 loss to the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, NHL analyst Paul Bissonnette shared his thoughts. He noted that the Oilers didn't shoot enough in the second half of the game and that the Oilers' stars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid need to step up together for the team.

Biz praised the Dallas Stars for their defense and shot-blocking. He pointed out that Edmonton has room to improve and players like Adam Henrique could make an impact in the game.

“Thought they didn’t shoot enough in the second half of the game but fuck did Dallas do a great job of closing and taking a lot away. Also tons of blocks. Incredible hockey,” Paul Bissonete wrote on X.”

“Edmonton has another gear. Henrique could be huge. But so can Hintz. Leon and McJesus need a huge night together. Dallas almost just needs 4 to 5 periods to figure out their opponent. Dallas discipline is insane. 3 penalties so far. 1 in junk time after empty net. Edmonton’s PP has gone cold because they aren’t getting to snap it around,” he tweeted.

Biz praised Dallas's discipline, noting their low penalty count and effective defensive game, which limited Edmonton's power play opportunities.

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Ryan Whitney’s optimistic take after Oilers’ Game 2 loss

Paul Bissonnette originally wrote the tweet in response to Ryan Whitney’s post, in which the NHL analyst shared the positives after the Oilers' tough loss. He mentioned that despite the defeat, the Oilers achieved their goal of splitting the road games, which is crucial in a playoff series.

“Tough loss but Im taking a ton of positives. First being you go on the road to get a split. The Oilers did that. Second is Edmonton can play with this team. This is so different than 2022 WCF. Dallas is a great team but with Skinner dialed in the Oilers can do this #LetsGoOilers,” Whitney wrote on X.

He said Edmonton demonstrated its ability to compete with the Dallas Stars in light of their past performance in the 2022 Western Conference Finals. He also praised goalie Stuart Skinner's outstanding play, stating that with him in top form, the Oilers had a legitimate shot at success.

During the first period of Saturday's game, the Oilers had the upper hand against the Stars, with 16 shots on goal compared to Dallas' four and holding a 9-3 advantage in high-quality scoring chances.

As the game progressed, the Oilers struggled to generate offense. Their shots on goal dropped from 16 in the first period to eight in the second and just five in the third. Their high-quality chances also decreased, from nine in the first period to three in the second and just two in the third.

Now it remains to be seen if they can generate and maintain the much-needed offensive consistency going forward in their series.