Elliotte Friedman gives startling insight into Panthers' 'butt-kicking' win, highlights big blunders from Oilers

After the Edmonton Oilers' 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman gave some advice on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

The Oilers gave up early goals when Brad Marchand and Carter Verhaeghe scored in the first period. Additionally, they drew too many penalties, which helped Florida control the pace.

"What is important to me is what happened in the first 25 minutes," Friedman said. "Edmonton lost the game in the first 25 minutes. That is the big storyline. That is what the Oilers have to look at and put under the microscope from this game. That is what really matters, and that's what they have to fix."

Friedman believes the two-day break between games is good for the Oilers. It gives them time to reset after their worst playoff loss this year.

"They just suffered their worst loss of this year's playoffs, a complete butt-kicking in a big game by the Florida Panthers," Friedman added.

"They were behind in the first minute. They have allowed Florida to set the tone in the tempo too much in the Stanley Cup final, they haven't led very much at all, which allows the Panthers to play more of the game."

In Game 3, Edmonton took 15 minor penalties. Florida scored three power-play goals on 11 chances, whereas Edmonton was 1-for-6. Players like Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk frustrated the Oilers both physically and mentally.

Oilers' Evander Kane and Connor McDavid reacted to Game 3 loss

Evander Kane said the loss was on the team, and they have to clean up the discipline.

“We didn’t play very well, that’s evident, we don’t have anybody to blame but ourselves,” Kane said, via NHL.com. “We can definitely be a lot better.”

Connor McDavid said the team gave Florida too many early chances.

"I don't mind the fight back, that’s what good teams do," McDavid said. "I’m not thrilled with the first period, giving up eight minutes in penalties."

Florida leads the series 2-1. Edmonton will look to tie it with a win in Game 4. The Oilers hope to regain control when they return to Edmonton for Game 5.