Oilers player Sam Carrick escapes suspension for questionable hit on Dmitry Kulikov

The Edmonton Oilers are in a thrilling Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. Edmonton lost 2-0 on Monday after trailing 4-1. Forward Sam Carrick made a questionable move on Dmitry Kulikov in the third period of the game and avoided a suspension. However, Carrick still faces a costly penalty.

Carrick was fined $2,213.54 for his slashing of Kulikov, according to NHL Player Safety, the maximum fine allowed under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. The incident occurred at 17:57 of the third period. Carrick was initially given a penalty for the maneuver. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Sam Carrick has not had the success he’d hoped for in the postseason. The 32-year-old has only one assist and one point in 10 playoff games. Like Carrick, Dmitry Kulikov has no notable numbers, but his team is still giving Edmonton problems.

The Panthers battled through the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers to face the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. Florida won each of its previous series by six games or less. They appear to be on the same trajectory heading into their latest meeting, but the Oilers will be looking to halt their momentum.

Edmonton’s road to the finals was not easy. After beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-1, the Oilers had to survive a seven-game series against the Vancouver Canucks. Then Edmonton faced the dangerous Dallas Stars in the Western Conference finals. The Oilers have proven they have what it takes to win. They still have a few things to improve and Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are ready to help the team recover.

Oilers aim to bounce back after slow start to Stanley Cup final

When asked if the Oilers needed to play better or if Florida deserved praise for their tenacious defense, Draisaitl gave an eye-opening answer.

“It’s a little bit of both,” Draisaitl said after the loss in Game 2. “We can certainly be better. It starts with me.”

Draisaitl and Connor McDavid combined for just five shots on goal. The two stars will need to improve to help Edmonton bounce back. Additionally, Draisaitl took responsibility when asked about his and McDavid’s play.

“I can only speak for myself, I certainly have a lot more to give,” Draisaitl said. “Tonight I wasn’t at my best. Of course I own that, I’ll regroup and make sure I’m better in Game 3.”

Despite the bitter defeat, Connor McDavid remains optimistic about the Oilers’ chances and believes that the 2-0 deficit will give Edmonton further momentum.

“It’s exciting,” McDavid said, according to Ryan Frankson of NHL.com. “(The deficit is) another opportunity for our group to come together and work our way out. It’s supposed to be tough, it’s supposed to be difficult, and I’m excited to see what our group is made of. I’m excited to see how we fight through the adversity, and I’m excited to have people doubt us again. We’re happy when our backs are against the wall.”

Fans can expect the Oilers to fight back with a vengeance in Game 3. The club desperately needs a win to get back in the series.