When I volunteered to do this recap, I had a stuffy nose but was otherwise fine. At this moment, I feel like death, so I apologize for not putting much effort into this tonight. I couldn’t find the energy to take notes — I usually take a few pages — so I’m going mostly from memory and score cards.

1st Period:

We start with a completely unnecessary fight between Milan Lucic and Mark Borowiecki. No one gets hurt, both get 5 minutes.

6 minutes into the game, Mike Hoffman catches Yohan Auvitu not paying attention, gets himself in front of the net and chips the puck past Cam Talbot. 1-0

3 and a half minutes after that, Derick Brassard makes it very obvious that he’s faster than Eric Gryba. He pulls away and roofs it on Talbot. 2-0

The Oilers start dominating play at this point. They’re controlling the puck, driving possession and having a few quality scoring chances.

Zack Kassian finds himself in alone, gets slashed on a clear cut breakaway and for whatever reason does not get a penalty shot. It’s an Oilers powerplay but that’s not what the call should have been.

The first unit looks fantastic to end the period. No goals but a lot of shots.

2nd Period:

Oilers dominate the entire period but can’t score.

Senators score on a play where Oscar Klefbom has his stick held. It’s bad but that happens.

The Oilers get a powerplay to end the period and for whatever reason the Oilers send out their 2nd powerplay unit. Ryan Stome, Jussi Jokinen, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Darnell Nurse and Kris Russell. I don’t know who thought that unit was going to be anything less than a disaster but whoever it was, was very wrong. Period ends 3-0.

3rd Period:

It’s crap. The Game is still on but I’m ready to submit this recap anyway. The Senators have scored two more, Laurent Brossoit is in net and the game is effectively over.

Adam Larsson has scored a meaningless goal. It’s done, who cares. Lets say it’s a 6-1 Final for now. I’ll edit later if it’s wrong.

Notes:

• Kailer Yamamoto was the best player for either team tonight. He got his first career point with an assist on the Larsson goal, he lead all skaters in shots with 7 and showed that not only will he be a great NHL player soon, but that he already is. He was a very positive key takeaway from this game.
• More on Yamamoto. I had him penciled in at the F1 on his line and thought it might create an issue with Patrick Maroon who typically plays that position. Turned out I was wrong because Yamamoto and Connor McDavid were interchanging the F2/F3 the same way that the line typically does with two natural centers on it. Yamamoto was typically the first player on the back check and, for the record, he had no issues getting players off the puck.
• This score could have easily been the opposite of what it was. The team played a lot better than the score would indicate. Beyond a few mistakes the score is a reflection of puck luck and not much more. The Oilers will win a lot of games if they control the play the way they have been.
• That 2nd powerplay is terrible and there needs to be a change right now. Russell should never be on a powerplay.
• Cam Talbot is starting to make me nervous. None of the goals were outright his fault but at some point, we need a goddamn save.
• McDavid was fine. He played well as always but there were no “McDavid with speed!!” moments.
• I’ve seen enough of both Jujhar Khaira and Iiro Pakarinen. I don’t know what they’re supposed to be bringing to the table but they left it at home. Total passengers.

That’s a wrap. It’s disappointing but still doesn’t leave reason to panic. Next potential disgrace is Tuesday vs the Carolina Hurricanes.