Coming into Game 4, trailing the series 2-1, this was a game the Edmonton Oilers had to win, and they fought their way to a 5-4 overtime victory after being down 3-0 in the first 20 minutes.
Once the second period started, there was a clear shift in momentum. The Oilers’ power play gave them life as they converted twice to even the game 3-3 before heading into the third period. The league’s best power play proved to be dangerous once again.
Leon Draisaitl drove the bus offensively with two goals and an assist. He has been on the ice for all 14 goals the Oilers have scored in this series. He is now up to 68 points in his playoff career. Evan Bouchard also had a three-point night with two assists and a goal. He recorded the primary assist on Zach Hyman’s overtime-winning goal with a nice stretch pass that he made from behind his own net.
Head coach Jay Woodcroft changed from Stuart Skinner to Jack Campbell in this game, proving one of the many reasons for the Oilers’ comeback. Campbell made 27 of 28 saves in relief and had a few key saves down the stretch. Most notably, a breakaway stop off of Victor Arvidsson late in the third period that held the lead at 4-3 for the Kings before Evander Kane was able to tie the game 4-4 before overtime.
A massive debate is taking form for which goaltender will start Game 5 for the Oilers. Do they go with the rookie Skinner, who has been their starter for the majority of the season? Or do they stick with Campbell after that performance? Either way, Woodcroft has a huge decision to make.
Now, the series shifts back to Edmonton for Game 5 as it becomes a best-of-three series. These two heavyweights will battle it out at least two more times, with nobody being surprised if it goes the distance to a Game 7.
