3 Game Essentials | Oilers (19-15-2) at Kraken (18-11-4) | 7:00 p.m.

Coach Dave Hakstol liked the way his team generated scoring chances off transition and forechecking during the first two periods of Wednesday's loss to fellow division playoff contender Calgary. He did not approve of the third period scoring approach, especially the shot selection. The Kraken finished the final 20 minutes with just six shots while the Flames logged 15 and, most importantly, the deciding goal.
"One of the challenges for our group is making sure our shot selection is good," said Hakstol after an optional practice at Kraken Community Iceplex Thursday. "We can't turn down shots this time of the year. We can't always look for the better play. Sometimes you just put it to the scoring area and get inside [to shoot loose pucks for rebounds]. We can improve there."

During his post-game comments Wednesday and again Thursday after an optional skate, Hakstol, with no prompting, emphasized that every Kraken skater needs to "play above the bar" if this team is to move from playoff contender in the first 33 games to playoff qualifier when the next 49 games are finished. Wednesday night, he specifically said "three to four guys" were not playing to team standards. He doubled down on the concept Thursday.
"The key for us is contributions from line one through line four and the one, two, and three defensive pairs, everybody above the bar," said Hakstol, who delivered urgency in his comments with another division contender in town Friday. "We left a point on the table in Vancouver and two last night. Our formula is not hidden. It can't be just one or two guys, one or two lines or pairs."
"We have to make that decision whether we are satisfied with the level of play that got us here [40 standings points in 33 games] or we push to next level ... staying status quo will not bring enough success over the next 49 games."
Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid has piled up 67 points in 36 games. He's notched 31 goals and 36 assists. His fellow superstar teammate, Leon Draisaitl has 36 assists, too, along with 21 goals for 57 points. Forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (41) and Zach Hyman (37) have also totaled more points than games played.
We'll find out Friday, probably at the morning skate, which Seattle goalie gets to face this fire-away squad. Anyone thinking, well, Grubauer took the loss Wednesday ... considering he made 41 saves (tying a franchise record) and earned his third quality start in a row and fifth in his last seven appearances (stick tap to Kraken colleague Alison Lukan).
Who stands in goal for Edmonton will be equally intriguing. Free agent signee Jack Campbell has struggled mightily: He started only 15 of the 36 games with an .876 save percentage and a goals-against average of 4.02. Rookie Stuart Skinner is keeping the Oilers in playoff contention with an 11-9-1 record and a .921 save percentage. The Oilers head back to Edmonton for a New Year's Eve matchup with Winnipeg, so the guess is Skinner gets the divisional nod Friday. Check back on the Kraken app, website, and social channels Friday for updates.