Oilers Ride the Highs and Lows of a Wild Weekend - And Make Some History Along the Way
Even in a sport as fast, physical, and unpredictable as hockey, weekends like this don’t come around often. For the Edmonton Oilers and their fans, the last couple of nights have been a roller coaster - the kind that leaves you breathless, exhilarated, and maybe a little exhausted.
But that’s what makes this game so compelling. The lows sting, the highs soar, and sometimes, they show up back-to-back.
Let’s break it all down - from record-setting performances to rising prospects and looming trade decisions - in nine key takeaways from a weekend that had a little bit of everything.
9. Saturday Night Brought the Drama - and the Voice to Match
No, the Oilers didn’t play a perfect game Saturday. But what it lacked in polish, it more than made up for in sheer entertainment value.
And if you were watching on Hockey Night in Canada, you got the full experience thanks to Jack Michaels on the call. Michaels hit that extra gear late in the third and into overtime - and just held it there.
Few play-by-play voices can match his intensity when the moment demands it, and Saturday night, he delivered.
8. Bouchard Joins Elite Company with a Night to Remember
Evan Bouchard had himself a night - and not just any night. With six points and eight shots on goal, Bouchard tied a truly rare feat.
Only two defensemen in NHL history have ever hit those numbers in a single game: Bouchard and the legendary Bobby Orr. That’s not just a stat - that’s a moment in franchise history.
Bouchard’s offensive instincts, poise under pressure, and shooting confidence were on full display. It was the kind of performance that makes you stop and appreciate just how special this player is becoming.
7. Bakersfield’s Unsung Hero Gets His Due
While the spotlight often shines brightest on the top prospects, every successful organization needs its glue guys. In Bakersfield, that guy is Seth Griffith.
The veteran forward just signed a two-year AHL extension, keeping him with the Condors through 2027-28. Griffith may not grab headlines, but he brings leadership, consistency, and the kind of work ethic that sets the tone for younger players trying to make the leap.
It’s a smart move for the organization - and a well-earned one for Griffith.
6. McDavid and Bouchard Among NHL’s Best in Puck Possession
Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard aren’t just dazzling with the puck - they’re dominating possession at elite levels. According to data shared by Meghan Chayka, heading into the weekend, McDavid ranked sixth in the NHL in offensive zone possession time per game (2:41), while Bouchard came in eighth (2:36).
For context, Quinn Hughes leads the league at a staggering 4:04. It’s a stat that speaks volumes about how often - and how effectively - McDavid and Bouchard are controlling the tempo of play.
When the puck’s on their stick, good things tend to happen.
5. Roslovic-Savoie-Howard Line Shows Playoff-Ready Potential
The line of Jack Roslovic, Matt Savoie, and Ike Howard was a pleasant surprise against the Capitals. Washington brought size and physicality - the kind of game you typically see ramp up in the postseason.
There were questions about how this trio would handle that kind of pressure, but they answered with pace, creativity, and sustained pressure. They didn’t just survive the physicality - they thrived in it.
That’s an encouraging sign as the Oilers look to build depth that can hold up in playoff-style hockey.
4. Oilers Planning Ahead with Deadline and Olympics in Sight
With the Olympic break and NHL trade deadline on the horizon, the Oilers' front office is deep in planning mode. Pro scouts and management spent significant time last week evaluating needs and identifying targets.
The internal debate likely comes down to this: add a veteran defenseman with size and shutdown ability, or go after a Top 9 forward to boost scoring depth. Cap space may only allow for one move, not both.
It’s a classic deadline conundrum - and one that could shape the Oilers’ playoff push.
3. Frustration Boils Over After Questionable Instigator Call
Tensions flared in the Oilers’ recent matchup with New Jersey, and not just on the ice. Vasily Podkolzin was hit with an instigator penalty after stepping in following a high hit on Connor McDavid - a call that left many scratching their heads.
According to Rob Suggitt, out of 175 fighting majors assessed this season, only 15 have resulted in the two-and-ten that Podkolzin received. Making matters worse, the New Jersey player reportedly dropped the gloves first.
It’s yet another example of the inconsistency around how the league protects its stars - or doesn’t. The instigator rule was designed to prevent cheap shots and ambushes, not penalize players standing up for teammates after dangerous hits.
From Highs to Head-Scratchers, It’s All Part of the Ride
The Oilers’ weekend was a snapshot of everything that makes hockey such a gripping sport: the brilliance of a defenseman channeling Bobby Orr, the emergence of young lines under playoff-like pressure, and the ever-present tension between physicality and player safety. Edmonton’s season is hitting a critical stretch, and if this weekend was any indication, they’re not just along for the ride - they’re steering straight into the storm, with eyes on something bigger.
Strap in. This team’s story is just getting interesting.