Back to the game last night. There is a lot of coping going on by solely blaming Skinner and saying "look at the shot totals", but the shot totals flatter the Oilers last night. It was a combo of score effects with the Canucks defending a 2 goal lead and the Oilers firing from everywhere. The Canucks weren't exactly giving up that many grade A chances.
I might be a bit of a contrarian here but I think Skinner's performances in games 1 and 2 were worse. Boeser's 2 goals he had ALL DAY inside the faceoff circles. There is a big difference between a shooter being pressured in a high danger area with no room to maneuver and a shooter having time and space. Hronek had some really good chance early too with time and space right around the dots. Skinner isn't making the big saves though which you need in the playoffs.
Despite the complete lack of respect being given to the Canucks from outsiders, the Canucks chances look pretty good. McDraisatl is playing half the game which is totally unsustainable in what is now going to have to be a long series if the Oilers are going to win it. The Canucks are getting better contributions throughout their lineup, have better goaltending, are more physical, have a better defense and are playing pressure free and without baggage. Silovs was good last night, but he wasn't Hasek out there and this doesn't look like a goalie heater.
Funny: The Oilers are *still* the betting favourite in this series. This is ridiculous. The betting markets think its more likely than not that they win 3 out of 4 games. Hilarious!