Stuart Skinner gets 1st postseason shutout as Oilers beat Kings 1-0 to take a 3-1 series lead

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Connor McDavid usually dominates the headlines for the Edmonton Oilers.

On Sunday night, it was the play of goaltender Stuart Skinner that put them a win away from advancing in the NHL playoffs.

Skinner stopped 33 shots for his first postseason shutout in the Oilers' 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4.

Skinner is the eighth goalie in franchise history to record a postseason shutout and the first since Mike Smith had two in the first round against the Kings two years ago. The most recent was in Game 7 of the 2022 first-round series when Smith made 29 saves in a 2-0 victory.

“The Kings definitely gave me a hard time out there. I was sweating a lot by the end of the third,” Skinner said. “The guys were grinding for me. When we were getting hemmed in the defensive zone, we were able to win battles along the board and get pucks out.”

It was Skinner’s 16th postseason start. It is the fifth career shutout after he had two during the regular season.

Edmonton has a 3-1 lead in the first-round series. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Edmonton. The Kings have dropped four straight playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 2014.

“Stuart was very solid, that is an understatement in how well he played. He made a lot of key saves for us and the rebound control was really good,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said.

Los Angeles had a 33-13 advantage in shots on goal as the Kings were aggressive on the forecheck, but the difference in the game again was special teams.

The Oilers converted on their lone power-play opportunity when Evan Bouchard scored his first goal of the series midway through the second period. That made Edmonton 8 of 15 in the series.

“We were kind of taking what they were giving us, whether it was a shot up top, way down low, we were kind of improvising,” Bouchard said.

Los Angeles is the only team in the postseason that hasn’t scored on the power play.

They were 0 for 1 on Sunday and 0 for 11 in the series. Trevor Moore had a shot just go wide when the Kings had the man advantage in the third period.

“They scored one on their power play," Kings interim coach Jim Hiller said. "We said before the game we had to win the special teams battle. We didn’t and we didn’t get the win.”

Edmonton’s 13 shots tied a franchise record for fewest shots in a playoff game. It's also the fewest they had in a playoff win.

It's the 11th time since 1974 and second time this year a team has won with 13 or fewer shots in a playoff game. Vancouver won Game 3 at Nashville last Friday 2-1 with only 12 shots.

David Rittich got the start in goal for the Kings after Cam Talbot had a 5.31 goals-against average and .891 save percentage in the first three games. Rittich made 12 saves.

“I thought he played well," Hiller said. “The disappointing thing is no goalie is going to win when we can't score for him. He did his job.”

Matt Roy also had a prime scoring opportunity when the teams were at even strength in the second period, but couldn't get it into the net.

“Frustrated. Frustrated. Definitely got to capitalize on more, and we got some Grade-A chances as well," Kings forward Philip Danault said. "I mean, we got to play the same way, and we got to make it difficult for them. And our back’s against the wall, so nothing to lose.”

The game's first penalty wasn't called until 10:46 into the second, when Los Angeles' Andreas Englund was sent off for holding. Edmonton converted on the power play 63 seconds later when Bouchard blasted a one-timer from the point after getting the pass from McDavid.

It was McDavid's ninth assist and 10th point of the series. That made the Oilers' superstar center the eighth player in NHL history to have at least five 10-point postseason series in their career. Three have come against Los Angeles.

The Kings pulled Rittich for the extra skater with 1:34 remaining, but were unable to get a great opportunity.

“These are the types of games you have to win in the playoffs," Oilers defenseman Corey Perry said. "It's not going to be 6-5 or 7-4 every night. You’re going to have to dig deep and play defense and trying to win out. We found a way tonight.”

AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, left, battles with Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, right, and defenseman Mikey Anderson during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar, right, passes the puck while under pressure from Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid during the second period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, left, dives for the puck as Los Angeles Kings right wing Viktor Arvidsson, center, and defenseman Cody Ceci watch during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) falls after colliding with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson (44) during the third period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Cody Ceci (5) and center Leon Draisaitl (29) congratulate goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) after the Oilers defeated the Los Angeles Kings 1-0 in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Kings right wing Viktor Arvidsson, center, tries to get a shot past Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, left, as center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins defends during the second period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Actor Will Ferrell, right, cheers as Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner stands in goal during the second period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Kings and the Oilers Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Actor Will Ferrell covers his ears as the crowd is asked to make noise during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, right, takes the puck as Edmonton Oilers left wing Evander Kane reaches in during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Edmonton Oilers right wing Corey Perry, center, tries to get a shot by Los Angeles Kings goaltender David Rittich, right, as defenseman Matt Roy defends during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner, left, makes a glove save as Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault watches during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series Sunday, April 28, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Caitlin Clark struggled early in her WNBA debut before finishing with 20 points and 10 turnovers as the Indiana Fever fell to the Connecticut Sun 92-71 on Tuesday night.

Alyssa Thomas led the Sun with 13 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, registering the 12th triple-double of her career. DeWanna Bonner added 20 points and DiJonai Carrington had 16. Carrington also was a major reason for Clark's early offensive struggles, hounding the guard.

“Disappointed and nobody likes to lose, that’s how it is,” Clark said. “Can’t beat yourself up too much about one game.”

The NCAA’s all-time Division I scoring leader, who finished the game 5 for 15 from the field, went scoreless in the first quarter. She missed her first four shots before finally getting on the board midway through the second period.

Clark stole the ball around the foul line and drove the length of the court before laying the ball in. She later added two free throws and hit a 3-pointer with 29.9 seconds left in the first half to finish the opening 20 minutes with seven points, hitting two of her seven shot attempts. The Fever trailed 49-39 at the break.

The Fever got within 63-57 late in the third quarter on two free throws by Clark, but couldn't get closer the rest of the way.

Clark did start heating up from the field, hitting four 3-pointers, including one from long range.

“Caitlin was able to get her some looks, able to knock them down. our spacing was not great,” Indiana coach Christie Sides said. “Connecticut came in and punched us in the mouth tonight. We’ll be in the gym tomorrow watching a lot of video trying to figure out how not to turn the ball over 25 times.”

Clark broke the WNBA all-time record for turnovers in a debut game that was held by Cynthia Cooper-Dyke when she had eight.

MOVING ON UP

Bonner moved into fifth on the WNBA's career scoring list, moving ahead of former Phoenix Mercury teammate Candice Dupree. who finished her career with 6,895 points. Bonner passed Dupree on a layup midway through the third quarter.

“To do it here on this night with this team and this group and this crowd made it more special," Bonner said. "It was huge and goal of mine i can check off my list. to be in this league is hard, to stay in this league is harder. To be part of that list is amazing. pat myself on the back for that one.”

Bonner, who now has 6,901 points, raised her hands to the crowd after a timeout to acknowledge the accomplishment.

RETURN OF BRIONNA

Brionna Jones played for the first time since rupturing her right Achilles tendon last June. The Sun's All-Star center had eight points while playing just under 20 minutes.

“We certainly missed her and it put a smile on my face to see her out there again,” Connecticut coach Stephanie White said.

UP NEXT:

Fever: Return to Indiana to play New York on Thursday in the team's home opener

Sun: Host Washington on Friday.

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks off the court with teammates after losing to the Connecticut Sun in a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) puts up a 3-point shot to score against the Connecticut Sun during the fourth quarter of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks off the court with teammates after losing to the Connecticut Sun in a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Connecticut Sun guard Rachel Banham (1) blocks a shot attempt by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the second quarter of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington (21) drives agasint Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the second quarter of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Connecticut Sun guard Rachel Banham (1) blocks a shot attempt by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the second quarter of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks down the court after a turnover against the Connecticut Sun during the second quarter of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) scores her first basket against the Connecticut Sun during the second quarter of a WNBA basketball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)