The Edmonton Oilers lost their third games in a row on Tuesday night, falling 3-2 to the Detroit Red Wings at Rogers Place.
The Oilers were outplayed early, but goaltender Mikko Koskinen — fresh off signing a three-year contract extension — bailed the team out.
“When you’re chasing games like we’re doing right now, that’s a formula for losing,” Oilers coach Ken Hitchcock said after the game. “The other team can sit back against that one line and defend.”
In the dying seconds of the period, the puck got in behind Koskinen, but Leon Draisaitl made a goal-saving stop on the Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin.
Larkin opened the scoring during a three-on-two four minutes into the second. Luke Glendening made it 2-0 halfway through the frame.
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The Oilers started putting more pucks to the net in the third and earned a rebound goal from Draisaitl. However, Glendening came back 1:57 later, flipping a puck past Koskinen.
“It’s disappointing to lose the game,” Koskinen said. “I think we played really well, especially in the third period.”
Watch below: Mikko Koskinen signs 3-year deal with Edmonton Oilers
With Koskinen on the bench for an extra attacker, Matt Benning fired home a one-timer with 2:26 left to pull the Oilers within a goal.
The Oilers have just five wins in their last 17 games and fall to 23-24-3 for the season. They’ve dropped nine of their last 11 on home ice.
“Everything’s been said that needs to be said. It’s just up to us to play now,” Oilers captain Connor McDavid said.
“You’ve got to start by yourself,” Oilers forward Alex Chiasson said. “Everyone here has to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they’re doing enough, if they’re playing the right way and if they’re playing for the team.”
LISTEN BELOW: Oilers forward Alex Chaisson speaks after the team drops a 3-2 loss to Detroit.
The Oilers’ next game is after the all-star break and bye week on Feb. 2 in Philadelphia.
–With files from 630 CHED’s Brenden Escott