Game 3: Oilers vs Sabres Post Gamer – Eichel-Less Sabres Outgoal, Outwork Oilers

Coming off a successful back to back spanking of our hated rivals to the south, most pundits were somewhat bullish about a game against the Buffalo Sabres.  Missing the 2014 draft’s bridesmaid, there was a belief the Oiler’s forwards would do some feasting.

And those fans who projected a lopsided affair were right, however, the tilt was far from being in the Oilers favour.  Instead, Sabres Goalie Robert Lehner stood tall in the nets, stifling the Oilers’ attack while Cam Talbot clearly had an off night, letting in all 6 Sabre goals, including a floater from behind the blueline, finishing the night with a .67 save percentage on 24 shots.

Now Before Anybody Gets Too Excited . . .

Clearly, Talbot had a bad night but we’re some distance from having a goalie controversy, even with the Dubnyk-like wiff.  My understanding is he had some pressing family issues and that was a distraction.  I have heard some whispers of concern regarding his first two games, but I would see that as an unwarranted concern at this point.  Talbot had a bad game, that’s that.  Now, if he lets anymore grounders from mid-field, then we can start to worry.

Oilers outshoot the Sabres, still lose?

On the other side of the rink, Robert Lehner stood big in the net and was economical, letting the puck hit him.  With the exception of a nice Glove save on Draisaitl, he relied on a sound positional game.  When things got tricky his defense was there for support.  Lehner is definitely beginning to the fulfill the promise he showed when the Ottawa Senators drafted him 46th overall in the 2009 draft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EEQkIcI7vk

Mclellan tries some line stacking in the third

From what I could tell, Draisaitl was a permanent fixture on McDavid’s wing in the third and not surprisingly there was some magic.  If Dr, Drai was more of a sniper than passer he probably could have potted a couple.  However, he ended up having some issues roofing it over Lehner’s big pads in a tight space.  Nonetheless, it may be a combination the coach goes to when  he needs that offensive push.  Eberle for his part didn’t look lost without McDavid and may have been the Oilers best forward.

Still lots of work to do . . .

Tough night for Talbot for sure, but the Oilers were all-in together on this stinker from the get-go. Got smoked and deserved it!

— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) October 17, 2016

McLellan: "We got kicked right between the legs, and we deserved it."

— Reid Wilkins (@ReidWilkins) October 17, 2016

McLellan says the team has some foundation issues to work on and stupidity is one of them. Was referring to Pouliots penalties.

— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) October 17, 2016

Looking at a team like Buffalo, which personnel wise has a comparable D-corps to Edmonton, its clear there are more than a few things off with the defense.  Larsson has been billed as a top pairing defenceman but in my mind, he’s no better than a top four.  I’m a big Klefbom fan but he can’t do it alone and Kris Russell shouldn’t be one of your best d-men night in night out.  Coaching should bear some of the responsibility when you see Buffalo’s blueline play so well, but it looks like Peter Chiarelli needs to do more shopping at some point.

How did you feel about the game tonight? Let us know in the comments below!