Leafs Take Down Oilers 5-2 in High-Energy Clash, But Edmonton’s PK Woes Steal the Spotlight
When the Maple Leafs and Oilers meet, it’s more than just a hockey game - it’s a coast-to-coast Canadian spectacle. Tuesday night in Edmonton was no exception.
Rogers Place was buzzing with dueling chants, a sea of blue and orange split right down the middle, and the kind of playoff-like energy that makes you wish these two teams were on a collision course for a Stanley Cup Final. Instead, we got a regular-season showdown with a postseason feel - and a 5-2 Toronto win that told a deeper story than the final score.
Let’s break it down.
Penalty Kill Collapse: A Problem the Oilers Can’t Ignore
For a team that had been trending in the right direction, the Oilers' penalty kill has suddenly gone ice cold - and not in a good way. From December 23 to January 22, Edmonton was lights out while shorthanded, killing off 91.2% of penalties (just 3 goals allowed on 34 chances).
That’s elite. But over the last five games?
A complete 180.
Since their wild 6-5 win over the Capitals, the Oilers have allowed eight power-play goals on 16 chances. That’s a 50% kill rate - a number that would make any coach lose sleep.
Against Toronto, that trend continued. The Leafs cashed in on both a 5-on-3 and a 5-on-4 in the third period, turning a 2-2 tie into a decisive win.
The turning point came when Matt Savoie got tangled with Troy Stecher near the Leafs’ blue line and was called for interference. Just six seconds later, Mattias Janmark got his stick up on Auston Matthews in a puck battle.
It looked like incidental contact - Matthews even appeared to hold Janmark up - but only Janmark went to the box. Two penalties, two goals against, and just like that, the game slipped away.
You’ve got to give credit to Toronto. They hadn’t had a power-play opportunity in nearly eight periods, but they made this one count. The Oilers, meanwhile, looked like they forgot that the penalty kill is supposed to kill penalties - not just survive them.
Frederic’s Misfire Adds to Frustration
Early in the second period, Connor McDavid took an awkward hit from Brandon Carlo in the neutral zone. It wasn’t dirty, but it was enough to knock the Oilers captain to the ice and leave fans holding their breath. Fortunately, McDavid bounced back quickly - but the moment highlighted another issue: Trent Frederic’s ongoing struggles.
Frederic was right there when the hit happened. And instead of going after Carlo, the guy who delivered the blow, he appeared to try and start a fight… with someone else entirely. It was a confusing moment, and while it might’ve looked like a missed opportunity for retribution, replays suggest Frederic simply picked the wrong man.
Later in the shift, Darnell Nurse stepped up and dropped the gloves with Carlo - showing the kind of leadership and response you expect in a moment like that. Frederic?
He didn’t make much noise again until there were just 64 seconds left in the game and the Oilers were trailing 5-2. That’s when he tried to stir something up with Nic Roy.
Too little, too late.
It’s been a tough season for Frederic, and moments like this don’t help. With a hefty $3.85 million cap hit and a no-movement clause attached to his long-term deal, questions about his value are only getting louder - especially as the Oilers look to make a splash at the trade deadline. If they’re eyeing a big name like Artemi Panarin, Frederic’s contract is very much part of the conversation.
Looking Ahead: McDavid, the Olympics, and What’s Next
With the NHL returning to the Olympics, the excitement around best-on-best international hockey is starting to build again - and Connor McDavid is right at the center of it.
His recent piece in The Players’ Tribune gave fans a rare glimpse into his mindset, especially following the 4-Nations Face-Off. McDavid spoke about the thrill of representing Canada, the camaraderie with players like Crosby, Marchand, and Doughty, and the pride that comes with wearing the maple leaf on his chest.
For McDavid, the Olympics aren’t just another tournament - they’re a legacy-defining opportunity. And while he’s already one of the most dominant players in the game, you can’t help but wonder how much more fuel this Olympic return adds to his fire. He’s chasing a Stanley Cup, no doubt, but the chance to lead Canada on the world stage might just sharpen his focus even more.
Final Thoughts
The Oilers-Leafs matchup gave us everything we love about hockey north of the border - passion, intensity, and a crowd that never stopped buzzing. But for Edmonton, the loss highlighted some real concerns. The penalty kill is reeling, Frederic’s struggles are mounting, and the team’s margin for error is shrinking.
Toronto, meanwhile, came in hungry and left with two points. For a team fighting to stay in the playoff mix, that’s the kind of win that can spark a run.
If these two ever meet in a playoff series - let alone a Stanley Cup Final - it would be chaos in the best way. Until then, we’ll settle for nights like this: loud, emotional, and full of storylines that stretch far beyond the scoreboard.