3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from 4-2 loss to Detroit Red Wings ft. Mattias Ekholm

The Edmonton Oilers lost their third straight game, dropping a 4-2 decision against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday. Detroit extended its winning streak to five.

Dylan Larkin and rookie Emmitt Finnie scored twice for the Red Wings. Meanwhile, Noah Philp and Leon Draisaitl replied for the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner got the call, making 20 saves in the losing effort.

Here’s a look at the three least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from their loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday.

3 least impressive Edmonton Oilers players from loss to Detroit Red Wings

#3 Connor McDavid

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, the NHL’s consensus best player, continues to struggle. He fell silent on Sunday, skating more than 22 minutes across 22 shifts.

However, the superstar did not register a point in the losing effort. He had two shots on goal and ended the game minus-2, as the Red Wings’ top line outmatched the Oilers’ top unit.

McDavid is goalless this season, notching seven assists in six games. The Oilers will need to support their best player, as depth scoring has been virtually nonexistent thus far.

#2 Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard continues to struggle defensively for the Oilers. On Sunday, he ended the game a minus-2.

In particular, Dylan Larkin made Bouchard look out of place on Larkin’s first goal. Here’s a look:

Larkin got the best of McDavid by beating him in the faceoff circle. The puck came back to the point. The pass hit Larkin’s stick, with Bouchard doing little to hinder Larkin’s shot. Bouchard seemingly attempted to block the shot but didn’t even get a stick in the way. Larkin fired the shot cleanly for the opening tally.

Bouchard skated more than 23 minutes across 23 shifts. He had three shots on goal and two blocks.

#1 Mattias Ekholm

The Edmonton Oilers’ top defensive defenseman got burned often against the Red Wings on Sunday. Ekholm was on the ice for three of Detroit’s goals.

But this one in particular was hardly flattering for Ekholm. Here’s a look:

On this goal, Emmitt Finnie made both Ekholm and Darnell Nurse seem like they were skating on molasses. The rookie got between both blueliners, popping home the loose puck for his first NHL goal.

Ekholm hit the ice for just under 20 minutes across 24 shifts. He had two shots on goal and four blocks on the night.

The Oilers will hit the ice again on Tuesday when they visit the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan