'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Mattias Ekholm gives "plain and simple" breakdown of Oilers defense during Noah Hanifin's game-winning goal
The Edmonton Oilers suffered a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday The Oilers held a 2-1 lead through two periods, thanks to goals from Brett Kulak and Zach Hyman, but gave up three goals in the third period to fall to the Golden Knights.
Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin scored twice for the Golden Knights in the third period, a power play goal and the game-winner (the Knights's third goal) with 48 seconds left.
After the game, Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm gave a blunt assessment of the Oilers' defensive breakdown on Hanifin's game-winner.
"We can't have someone walk down when we're four-on-two in the d-zone. Plain and simple," Ekholm said.
Ekholm was clearly frustrated with the late defensive lapse that allowed Hanifin's goal that put Vegas ahead. Ekholm also commented on the Oilers' offensive struggles this season.
"It was kind of the same last year,not that I really want to go back and look at last year, but we came out slow and we weren't shooting at the rate we usually do," Ekholm said.
"Whether it's a matter of it being early in the year, it's us not bearing down when we get those chances, making sure it's good shots and good rebounds and what not." he added.
Mark Stone (empty net) and Jack Eiche also scored for the Knights.
Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch's on Noah Hanifin's power play goal
With the Oilers leading 2-1 with under 10 minutes remaining, Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin blasted a shot that found its way through Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner.
The power play tally came with one second left on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' holding penalty and knotted the game. Post-game, Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch talked about Hanifin's game-tying goal.
"They were able to make a seam pass. It was a very high-level pass. We had it covered off pretty well, but it got through us. Once that pass gets through, then you're in scramble mode. Right then, it became scramble mode,” Knoblauch said.
"There was a lot of good things on the penalty kill, some clears, some denials, but just not good enough." he added.
The Oilers will look to get back on track offensively when they face the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.
Trending
