Edmonton Oilers
Takeaways from the Oilers’ 3-2 Overtime Win Over the Blues
After a great first period, the Edmonton Oilers had to come back from a 2-1 deficit to beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in overtime.
The Edmonton Oilers dominated the first period of Tuesday’s game versus the St. Louis Blues but couldn’t score. They eventually did, but the Blues found a way to turn things in the game’s latter half to go up 2-1. Undeterred, the Oilers rallied from behind to secure a 3-2 overtime win, breaking a two-game losing streak and claiming sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the win:
McDavid and Draisaitl Lead the Charge
Edmonton’s dynamic duo came through in the clutch. Head coach Kris Knoblauch said, “Your best players come up big with some huge plays. On the game-tying goal, Leon & Connor… then McDavid setting up Brownie on that goal.” Connor McDavid had three points (a goal and two primary assists, including a highlight-reel setup for Connor Brown’s overtime winner.
Leon Draisaitl added a goal and an assist, reaching an NHL-leading 37 goals on the season. He scored the game-tying goal.
Connor Brown Gets His Moment
Brown’s first career overtime goal couldn’t have come at a better time. He hadn’t scored in 22 games, but the Oilers surprisingly put him on the ice in closing moments and got open for McDavid. Brown often finds ways to contribute, but to score an overtime goal has to feel good. He said after the game he hoped it wouldn’t be his last.
Draisaitl gave Brown props postgame. “He was good, Brownie always plays well for us. He’s a great player & it’s nice for guys like that to get rewarded in big moments.”
Stuart Skinner Made the Saves He Needed To
Coming off of a game where he wasn’t great early versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, Stuart Skinner made key saves against St. Louis. He made 20 saves on 22 shots and had to stay mentally in the game after the first period, where he only saw three shots.
Often criticized for inconsistency and with some questions about if he can be the backstop the Oilers need when the game really counts, he stepped up. He was particularly good in the third period when the Blues had the momentum.
Questionable Officiating Swings Momentum
A controversial interference call on Mattias Ekholm gave St. Louis a power play, leading to a goal by Jordan Kyrou. The Blues capitalized not long after, when Colton Parayko scored on a one-timer. Fortunately, Robert Thomas missed a wide-open net that could have put the game away. All of that started when the Oilers allowed a power play goal against and the Blues started getting physical.
The Blues tried to hit their way to a win, and a potential hit-from-behind on Zach Hyman went uncalled, adding to the frustration. The Blues outhit the Oilers 28-13.
Jeff Skinner’s Limited Role
Despite making strong defensive plays all night, Jeff Skinner continues not to get love from his coach. He logged just 7:27 through two periods, one of the lowest totals among forwards. He’s remained a consummate professional, but it’s starting to become visible that he’s a bit frustrated.
What else does Skinner have to do? He’s scoring in limited minutes and playing solid defense now.
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