Mattias Ekholm Reveals What Oilers Need to Have for Game 4 Win vs. Panthers

The Edmonton Oilers hit the ice Tuesday, determined to retool their strategy after a suffocating 6-1 loss in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers.

The loss not only put them 2-1 down in the series, but also saw the team lose its composure, racking up penalties and failing to capitalize on several power-play opportunities.

The Panthers went up 2-0 on a crazy, penalty-stuffed first period and 4-1 through two. A series of brawls in the third period capped a night in which Edmonton collapsed at both ends of the ice.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch wouldn't commit to playing starting goalie Stuart Skinner in Thursday's pivotal Game 4.

Skinner, who holds a .866 save percentage in the series, was yanked after allowing five goals on 23 shots. Calvin Pickard played the third period in relief.

Forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, a game-time decision in Game 3 due to an undisclosed injury, ultimately played, but did not practice today after sitting out Sunday's practice as well.

Even with the loss, veteran defenceman Mattias Ekholm prioritized the significance of the moment. He emphasized that the team needs to make a realization: they're only three victories away from hoisting the Stanley Cup.

They just need one more win to even the series and create a best-of-three with two of those being on home ice, a huge opportunity the Oilers can't afford to miss.

We'll see if Ekholm's comments resonate with the rest of the team when Game 4 gets underway in Florida on Thursday night.