The Edmonton Oilers face growing scrutiny after their Game 3 loss, but NHL analyst Jim Matheson believes the focus on Connor Ingram misses the bigger issue.Ingram stopped 32 of 38 shots in the 7-4 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks, with the final goal coming into an empty net. Across three games, he has allowed 14 goals on 93 shots. While those numbers raise concern, Matheson stressed that Edmonton’s defensive play has left the goaltender exposed too often.MORE: Elliotte Friedman highlights biggest disadvantage for Oilers after Game 3 lossWriting on X, Matheson said he would stick with Ingram for Game 4, “because the team in front of him has been red-rotten defensively, but the GM who traded for Jarry has a seat at the table and might have a say.”Matheson’s comments shift attention toward roster decisions as well.
He targeted Oilers’ GM Stan Bowman, who acquired Tristan Jarry, and thus could influence any change in goal. That perspective matters, as Edmonton searches for answers and decides on a goalie for Game 4.Meanwhile, the Ducks have taken full advantage of the gaps in the Oilers’ defense. Mason McTavish opened the scoring for the Ducks, and by the end of the second, the game was tied 3-3.
However, Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored 42 seconds apart in the third period to make the score 5-3. Connor McDavid cut the lead to 5-4, but Anaheim scored two more, and now has 16 goals across the first three games of the series.Oilers’ coach admits the Ducks challengeSpeaking to the media after the game, head coach Kris Knoblauch admitted the Ducks’ potential.“We were expecting a good, good team,” Knoblauch said. “Like, there’s a lot of – We’re one point away from each other in the regular season.
And we had a good match in every game. I think it was a one-goal game or no. “We knew about them, and we knew that they’re a good team and they’ve got a lot of depth and some young, exciting players.
So we just need to, you know, we have a lot of respect for them. We do. We just need to find our best game.”Anaheim Ducks left wing Jeffrey Viel (28) attacks a goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) at Honda Center.
Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesEven with McDavid contributing a goal and an assist, the Oilers could not control the pace. Defensive breakdowns led to odd-man rushes and open looks, putting constant pressure on Ingram.Game 4 now becomes critical for Edmonton. The decision in goal will draw attention, but the larger challenge lies in tightening defensive structure. Without that adjustment, the Oilers risk falling further behind in a series that has now tilted in Anaheim’s favor.