The Edmonton Oilers are struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive, losing 6-2 against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2 of their first-round series. Coach Kris Knoblauch pointed to a mix of defensive errors and poor special teams play as the primary culprits, allowing five power-play goals in two games. The Oilers have faced significant hurdles, including the absence of defenseman Mattias Ekholm due to injury and a goaltending situation where Stuart Skinner has been pulled after conceding multiple goals.

Despite scoring efforts from Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson, the Oilers couldn’t muster enough to overcome a Kings team that capitalized on their mistakes. Knoblauch emphasized that while the Kings’ plays were opportunistic, the Oilers largely contributed to their own downfall through careless errors. With Game 3 approaching, questions loom over the Oilers' defensive adjustments and goaltending choices.