Edmonton Oilers Secure Comeback Victory Over Seattle Kraken
EDMONTON, AB – The Edmonton Oilers showcased their resilience on Saturday night, overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory against the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Place. This win marked the Oilers’ second triumph of the preseason, breaking a three-game exhibition losing streak and providing a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare for the regular season.
Key Performers Shine
The Oilers’ offensive efforts were highlighted by a standout performance from defenceman Mattias Ekholm, who not only scored a crucial goal but also contributed two assists. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the ice was instrumental in the Oilers’ success. Alongside Ekholm, several players delivered multi-point performances, including Derek Ryan, Ben Gleason, Evan Bouchard, and Mike Hoffman. Each of these players played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive resurgence, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Oilers’ roster.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins opened the scoring for the Oilers, setting the tone early in the first period. Noah Philp followed suit, adding another goal in a high-paced first period that ended in a 2-2 tie. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.
A Rollercoaster of a Game
The second period saw the Kraken take control, as they managed to build a two-goal lead after the first intermission. However, the Oilers refused to back down. Ekholm’s goal, just 27 seconds after Ben Meyers extended Seattle’s lead to 4-2, reignited the Oilers’ hopes. This quick response was crucial in shifting the momentum back in Edmonton’s favor.
Derek Ryan’s shorthanded assist to Vasily Podkolzin in the third period further narrowed the gap, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With just under three minutes left in regulation, Raphael Lavoie delivered the game-winner, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and sealing the comeback victory for the Oilers.
Goaltending Challenges
The game was not without its challenges for the Oilers, particularly in the goaltending department. Calvin Pickard, who started the game, was forced to leave the ice in the first period following a collision in the crease. Olivier Rodrigue stepped in and performed admirably, making 19 saves on 22 shots over the final 47:54 of the contest. Head coach Knoblauch noted that Pickard is currently being evaluated, with more information expected to be released soon.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Oilers are looking to build momentum as they continue their preseason schedule. Their next challenge comes on Monday night when they host the Vancouver Canucks for their final home game of the exhibition season. The team will aim to carry the energy and lessons learned from the comeback win against the Kraken into this upcoming matchup, as they finalize their preparations for the regular season ahead.
As the Oilers gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, the message from players like Derek Ryan resonates: "Everything starts with work." The team’s commitment to hard work and intensity will be crucial as they strive for success in the upcoming NHL season.