$74,000,000 Oilers D-man makes feelings known about team's defense in 7-4 loss to Capitals: "We got to clean up defensively"

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse shared his thoughts on the team’s defensive performance following Wednesday’s 7-4 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Despite the defeat, Nurse was the Oilers’ standout player. He scored two goals and was the only Edmonton skater to finish with a positive plus-minus (+1).

Speaking to the media after the game, Nurse said:

"It's tough to win games when you're giving up five, obviously before the empty net. We got to clean up defensively and keep the puck out right now."

He emphasized the need for better work in front of the goaltender:

"There's a lot of traffic in front of the first few. That's the hard work in front of our net. We got to help out our goalie there. So, everyone on the ice, throughout our lineup, can be better there."

Dranell Nurse, currently signed to a $74 million contract, has accumulated nine points through five goals and four assists in 22 games this season. He has posted a negative 9 rating.

Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch shares his thoughts on areas for defensive improvement

Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch zeroed in on the need for greater support in front of goaltender Stuart Skinner, in high-danger areas, as breakdowns allowed the Caps to exploit loose coverage and net-front traffic.

"Just the commitment to protecting the dangerous ice. You look at the first goal against. We got a lot of guys out of position on that, and we get beat to the dangerous ice. And yeah, we don't give Stuart much help," Knoblauch said.

He added:

"And you look at these nights where Stuart's giving up a lot of goals, and you're thinking it's on goaltending, but we're not making the game easy for him."

Meanwhile, the Oilers have lost back-to-back games, posting a 9-9-4 record and 22 points. They'll continue their road trip when facing the Tampa Bay Lightning next on Thursday.