Quebec forward Phillip Danault, who has already scored two goals in this playoff, was stunned Friday night following the Los Angeles Kings lost 8-2 to the Oilers.
• Read also: Shea Weber: an increasingly likely departure
• Read also: Corey Perry, the fierce competitor
“It’s a big slap in the face and we have to regroup, said Danault, quoted on the website of the National Hockey League. Luckily it’s only 2-1 [pour les Oilers] in the series, you have to get up in the next game.
The Kings will indeed have to do much better in front of their supporters, Sunday evening, during the fourth meeting.
“We have to have more confidence, argued the former Montreal Canadiens. We are a good team, we are not in the playoffs by chance. But we must also learn. We have to play better under pressure, the execution has to be better. We have to improve in all aspects, defensively, in the neutral zone and in attack, everywhere.
The Kings were already trailing 5-1 when Danault hit the target on the power play late in the second period. Scoring eight goals, the mighty Oilers showed no mercy to their opponents.
“We find ways to win games,” simply summed up Oilers forward Connor McDavid, who had two assists in that game. That’s all that matters at this time of year.”
Quick sent to the bench
Evander Kane was the big offensive hero for the Oilers with a hat trick, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman each had two goals and an assist. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick was forced out of the game following allowing four goals on 17 shots, giving way to Cal Petersen, who also conceded four goals – on 20 shots, in his case.
Despite the Oilers’ unequivocal victory, it should be noted that their veteran goaltender, Mike Smith, faced 46 shots, including 35 during the first two periods. He repelled 44 pucks.
