In Game 3, the Vancouver Canucks handled to edge the Edmonton Oilers with a narrow 4-3 triumph in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series. In a short wrap-up of the video game, Brock Boeser was the standout entertainer for the Canucks, notching 2 objectives and a help, while Elias Lindholm likewise contributed with a set of objectives. Quinn Hughes and J.T. Miller likewise played crucial functions, each taping 2 helps. However, the secret to the Canucks Game 3 win was novice goalie Arturs Silovs, who made 42 conserves to take home the win for Vancouver.

Mattias Ekholm, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard scored web for the Oilers. Although Stuart Skinner began in objective, he was changed by Calvin Pickard at the start of the 3rd duration. Edmonton’s league-leading power play was once again powerful and went 2 for 4. Still, it wasn’t enough to get rid of the Canucks’ figured out effort.

Next: 4 in a Row?: Ekholm’s Offensive Contributions Crucial for Oilers

Why the Canucks Won Game 3

The Canucks beat the Oilers for 3 factors. First, they was successful on unique groups, especially the power play. There, they profited from 2 of their 3 opportunities. That permitted them to keep momentum and pressure throughout the video game. Second, the offending supplied by Boeser and Lindholm played essential functions. Boeser scored 2 objectives, and Lindholm contributed appropriate points. The Canucks revealed the type of scoring depth that surpassed the Oilers.

Vancouver likewise took it to the Oilers physically. With 2 success to set the tone on Mattias Ekholm early, the Canucks haven’t let up on Edmonton’s stars, even crossing the line after whistles, like the cross-check by Carson Soucy to McDavid that saw Soucy suspended for tonight’s video game. The physicality has actually taken it’s toll, with various Oilers missing out on practice and most likely playing at less than one hundred percent.

Finally, as kept in mind, the Canucks novice goalie Silovs set up a standout. The Oilers kept coming, yet he stayed made up in the face of a barrage of shots. He made crucial conserves to hang onto his group’s lead.

Looking Ahead to Game 4, What Should

As the series continues, both groups will aim to make changes heading into Game 4, with the Canucks intending to extend their series lead and the Oilers intending to recuperate and even the rating. The Oilers have goaltending and depth issues to determine. Pickard gets the start in the hopes that a modification to the Oilers netminding will stimulate the group. Should they not react, Edmonton’s possibility to even the series may escape.

Naming Pickard the starter was a substantial modification by Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. Going to a goalie without any playoff experience rather of Skinner is a gamble, even if Skinner has actually had a hard time in the series. Skinner’s 4.40 goals-against typical contrasts greatly with his regular-season numbers. But, Pickard doesn’t need to be much better than Skinner, he simply needs to be much better than Skinner’s numbers in the series, which shouldn’t be tough to do.

The Oilers likewise deal with larger issues than just in the web. The Canucks are protecting well; and, as difficult as it may appear, are holding Connor McDavid basically in check. Yet the greatest Oilers issue needs to be the group’s absence of secondary scoring has actually been doing not have. As an outcome, the Oilers are changing up the lines and beginning McDavid and Leon Draisaitl apart to begin Game 4.

On the Canucks’ side, novice goaltender Silovs has actually been a big surprise. When Thatcher Demko and Casey DeSmith were hurt, numerous fans thought the Canucks postseason was toast. Instead, the Canucks have actually been buoyed by Silovs’ brave play and plan to profit from their result in protect a commanding position in the series.

The Bottom Line for Game 4 Between the Canucks and the Oilers

Oilers fans need to watch on whether Pickard’s existence in objective supplies stability and improves group self-confidence, along with the requirement for secondary scoring and a tightened up protective effort to counter the durable Canucks. Conversely, Canucks fans need to hope that Silovs’ strong efficiency continues. They likewise should make protective changes because of Carson Soucy’s suspension.

The video game may boil down to which group has the very best goalie play and which group can create the very best secondary scoring.

Related: Oilers Make Major Line Changes Ahead of Game 4 vs. Canucks