The Edmonton Oilers were shut out in Game 2 of their Western Conference Finals series against the Colorado Avalanche, 4-0. They now trail the best-of-seven series 2-0. If that wasn't bad enough, Oilers' forward Zack Kassian got a nice kicking while he's down. On Friday, the NHL announced that Oilers right winger Kassian has been fined $2,500 for removing Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram's helmet.

During the third period of Game 2, Byram was hit along the Oilers bench. Kassian, who was on the bench, reached out and pulled off Byram's helmet. The Oilers winger was whistled for a two minute interference penalty. The NHL deemed that was not enough, sending news of the fine.

Clearly, Kassian and the Oilers frustration boiled over. After an insane, 14-goal Game 1 that the Avalanche took 8-6, Edmonton was looking to even the series. They were given a massive advantage heading into Game 2. Colorado's starting goalie, Darcy Kuemper, was ruled out with an upper body injury.

That forced the Avalanche to start an inexperienced Pavel Francouz in net. That led many to believe Edmonton had a decided advantage in Game 2. That did not come to fruition as Francouz stopped all 24 shots he faced. But most of them were not very difficult.

The Oilers did a poor job creating traffic in front of Francouz. He had mostly clear sight lines and Edmonton is going to need to do a better job of that if they have any chance coming back in this series.

The series now shifts back to Edmonton for Game 3 Saturday night.