Oilers coach Knoblauch called out for game altering mistake, changes coming for Game 2

Stuart Skinner also admitted some blame for failing to make a save to stop the bleeding, but the entire Oilers roster really fell apart in the third - even the coaches.

As the Dallas Stars roared back with three straight powerplay goals in the third period, it was wild to see the Oilers coach not call a timeout to slow the play down at any point.

Kris Knoblauch is one of the most consistent calm coaches in the NHL, and it was just strange to see him fail to use a tool to slow the pace of a game that was clearly getting away from Edmonton.

Stuart Skinner also claimed he was interfered with in the crease on Matt Duchene's go-ahead goal. The Oilers didn't challenge, maybe not to risk another penalty, but a timeout there to even evaluate the goal would've been a beneficial move.

The Oilers coaches frantically tried some new line pairings during the meltdown, specifically on defence, and absolutely nothing worked.

Darnell Nurse and Troy Stecher got walked in particular last night, which may lead to some changes in the blue line for next game.

Stecher missed some assignments on the penalty kill and was clearly targeted by Dallas forwards last night. He was benched briefly after one powerplay goal, so it seems likely he could exit for penalty killer Ty Emberson.

The Oilers entire defensive deployment was bizarre, especially in the third period. Evan Bouchard playing 4 less 5v5 minutes than Darnell Nurse is a glaring issue.

The Oilers will need to make some significant adjustments to their penalty killing at least, but also their in-zone defence before Game 2. Their commitment to team defence at all 200 feet was incredible in the first 40 minutes, but it all unravelled with Dallas living in their zone on the powerplay.

With more discipline and defensive adjustments, the Oilers should be fine in Game 2 - but they also could've had a much better result in Game 1 with changes after a dominant first 40 minutes.