Mark Messier did not hold back when asked for his take on the Edmonton Oilers’ performance during Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, in an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. The Edmonton Oilers lost with a five-goal differential on Monday night in a game that gave Florida a 2-1 series lead.
Brad Marchand scored 56 seconds into the game, and the Panthers never gave up the lead. Edmonton was forced to pull goalie Stuart Skinner in the third period after he gave up five goals on 23 shots.
Mark Messier’s Take on Stanley Cup Finals Game 3
Messier is a legend in Edmonton and an NHL superstar who is second on the all-time list for playoff points (295) and third on the lists for regular season games played (1756) and regular season points (1887). Messier said on Tuesday that Edmonton’s main problem was a lack of discipline.
“It was not a good night for Edmonton,” Messier said. “They completely lost their composure, and they completely lost what they do well in this game. They basically took the two greatest players of their generation out of the game by taking just undisciplined penalties, not playing with any discipline whatsoever. And it was not a good night for the Edmonton Oilers.”
“It wasn’t a good night for Edmonton..
They completely lost their composure and they didn’t play with any discipline” ~ Mark Messier#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Uyq0F83bSU
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 10, 2025
This lack of discipline was evidenced by the fact that the Panthers’ power play, which had previously struggled at home, converting just 3.6% of opportunities, scored three times during these playoffs as the undisciplined Oilers gave them 11 opportunities.
If there is anyone who knows a thing or two about discipline and winning, it is Messier. He was an integral part of the Oilers dynasty, contributing to four Stanley Cup wins between 1984 and 1988.
After Wayne Gretzky’s departure, he then went on to captain the team to a fifth Stanley Cup in 1990. Messier was a prolific scorer and playmaker for the Oilers, ranking second in the team’s history in playoff points (215) and contributing significantly to their offensive success.
If the current Edmonton roster wants to hoist the cup, they would probably be well served if they take Messier’s advice to heart. Edmonton’s next opportunity to improve its on-ice discipline will be in Game 4 on Thursday. “The series is a long way from being over,” Messier added. “I know the Oilers are going to regroup, but they can’t afford to continue like they’re playing right now.”
