The Edmonton Oilers are finding their stride, picking up their second win in three games with a 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. This matchup, a rematch of last season’s second-round playoff clash, was the start of a crucial four-game road trip for the Oilers.
The action kicked off just over three minutes into the second period. Evan Bouchard, showcasing his playmaking skills, saw his net-front pass deflected, forcing Adin Hill into a save.
Bouchard quickly regained possession, circled the net, and found Trent Frederic out front. Frederic’s initial shot was blocked, but he persisted, lifting the puck over Hill for his fourth goal of the season.
The Golden Knights responded with seven minutes left in the second. Noah Hanifin, patrolling the blue line, launched a shot that deflected off Darnell Nurse and found its way past Connor Ingram, leveling the score as the teams headed into the second intermission.
Early in the third, the Oilers reclaimed their lead. Despite losing a faceoff in their own zone, Vasily Podkolzin pounced on the puck, slicing through the defense to earn a breakaway. His hesitation move froze Hill, and the puck trickled in, marking a pivotal moment in the game.
A bit of fortune favored the Oilers with under eight minutes left. A misplaced stick disrupted the Golden Knights’ zone clearance, allowing Connor McDavid to seize the turnover and dish it to Leon Draisaitl. The German sniper buried his 34th of the season, a goal that would stand as the game-winner and his 75th as an Oiler, surpassing McDavid.
Evan Bouchard’s evening wasn’t without a hiccup. Late in the game, a power play miscue saw his pass intercepted by Jack Eichel, who capitalized to bring the Knights within one. However, Kasperi Kapanen sealed the deal with an empty-netter, his sixth goal this season.
Takeaways from the game highlight the Oilers’ strong performance since the Olympic break. Their defensive effort was solid, even if the shot count wasn’t in their favor.
Trent Frederic is heating up, with two goals in six games since the break, doubling his season tally from the previous 55 games. His physical play, alongside Colton Dach, has been impactful, with Dach notching his first point as an Oiler.
Vasily Podkolzin continues his impressive season, setting a new career-high with his 15th goal. Over 64 games, he’s on track for a breakout year, projecting 19 goals and 37 points over a full season.
Matthew Savoie, despite not scoring, was dynamic on the ice, creating chances and making key defensive plays. His line, including Kapanen and Jason Dickinson, was buzzing, with Kapanen eventually netting an insurance goal.
In net, Connor Ingram is solidifying his role as the starter. With a .923 save percentage in this game, he’s shown resilience since the break, achieving a .900-plus save percentage in 10 of his 18 appearances, a stark contrast to Tristan Jarry’s single such performance.
The Oilers’ trade deadline moves to bolster their defense and penalty kill are paying dividends. Connor Murphy and Dickinson have helped the team kill all five penalties since their arrival, including two in this game.
This victory was crucial, allowing the Oilers to gain ground on the Golden Knights and close in on the Anaheim Ducks. With a tough schedule ahead, including a visit to the Colorado Avalanche, the Oilers are poised to continue their push in the standings.