3 things Edmonton Oilers did wrong in Stanley Cup Final Game 2 loss to Florida Panthers© Provided by Sportskeeda NHL

The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a 2-0 hole following a 4-1 loss in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The game was characterized by a number of scrums and scuffles, including a couple of questionable hits. But once again, the Florida Panthers frustrated the Oilers, leading to a huge win at home.

3 things the Edmonton Oilers got wrong in game 2

#1: The Oilers let their frustration boil over

The Panthers did an excellent job of neutralizing the Edmonton Oilers’ speed and odd-man rush chances. The Panthers were also fantastic at keeping the front of the net clear, reducing the likelihood of rebound goals.

That tight-checking style from the Panthers has made it difficult for the Oilers to sustain any sort of traction. As the game progressed, the Oilers became more and more visibly frustrated, with tempers flaring midway through the third period.

The best example was the silly hit Leon Draisaitl laid on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. The needless penalty led to Evan Rodrigues’ second third-period goal, making the game 3-1.

Another notable incident was Vincent Desharnais’ ejection late in the third for a punch following a whistle. The Oilers will need to keep their cool moving forward. Otherwise, they may continue to fall apart like they did in the third period of Game 2.

#2: The Oilers could not solve the Panthers defensive scheme

The Edmonton Oilers could not solve the Panthers’ defensive scheme. Florida continued to keep the Oilers skating in circles around the ice, unable to get clear shots on net. Moreover, the Panthers shut down Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, and Draisaitl once again.

During the penalty kill, the Panthers did an excellent job of eliminating Draisaitl’s one-timer and limiting point shots from getting through to the front of the net. But perhaps the most noticeable part of the Panthers’ defensive scheme is keeping rebounds clear. That situation has made it difficult for the Oilers to score from down low.

#3: The powerplay continues to sputter

The Oilers’ deadly powerplay has sputtered in both games. The clearest example was the six-on-four powerplay the Oilers for late in the third period. The Oilers went for it, pulling the goalie following a delay of game call, but were unable to capitalize on the man advantage.

Following the penalty kill, Panthers’ defenseman Aaron Ekblad fired a shot into the empty net, sealing the victory for the Panthers.

The Oilers will need to get their powerplay firing on all cylinders if they have any hopes of getting back into the series.