3 Edmonton Oilers players who disappointed in Stanley Cup Final Game 2 loss feat. Leon Draisaitl 

The Edmonton Oilers dropped Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final series against the Florida Panthers, 4-1. The Oilers are now in a 2-0 hole, with a considerable uphill battle before them. As the series moves to Edmonton for Game 3, the Oilers are left with more questions than answers.

With that in mind, here's a look at three players who disappointed in Game 2 and need to pick things up to help the Edmonton Oilers get back into the series.

3 disappointing Edmonton Oilers player in Game 2 loss

#1. Connor McDavid

McDavid continues to struggle offensively. In two games thus far, he has failed to be the difference-maker he’s been for the Edmonton Oilers all season. While he assisted in Mattias Ekholm’s first-period goal, McDavid was unable to generate much offense beyond that.

McDavid had a breakaway opportunity midway through the third, but Sergei Bobrovsky was equal to the task, robbing McDavid of a clear goal-scoring chance. It’s unfair to blame McDavid for a lack of effort, as he seems genuinely committed to the game. However, the Panthers have shut him down so far.

#2. Zach Hyman

The Edmonton Oilers’ 50-goal scorer has practically vanished in the first two games of the series. Hyman has been unable to get much going in his usual area around the net since the Panthers have essentially cut off that area. Hyman has struggled to get anything going elsewhere on the ice.

Hyman went silent in Game 2, especially on the powerplay. The Panthers did a great job of keeping Hyman away from the front of the net and subsequently cleared pucks away before he could capitalize on a rebound.

Moving forward, Hyman will need to create open spaces for himself. He may need to out-muscle the Panthers defenseman to gain traction in his usual landing spots in front of the net and the high slot. Otherwise, Hyman could have a very quiet series.

#3. Leon Draisaitl

Draisaitl also makes this list, not so much for his lack of offensive production, but for the lack of composure he showed in the third period of Game 2. Late in the period, Draisaitl took a silly penalty when the game was 2-1.

The hit on Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was fueled by needless aggression. The officials issued a two-minute minor instead of a major. But that penalty was enough for the Panthers to cash in, making the game 3-1.

In hindsight, it’s easy to speculate that if Draisaitl had not taken that penalty, the powerplay goal would not have happened. As such, the Edmonton Oilers could have had a chance to tie the game instead of chasing the score during the last five minutes of the third period.

Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place kicks off on Thursday, with the Oilers hoping to use home ice advantage to make their way back in the series.