As the regular season continues to come to a close, the Edmonton Oilers are now in a pretty important final stretch of games. The Oilers still have to meet some division rivals, and have to play the top team in the NHL, in the Winnipeg Jets, one more time, just a few days before their regular season officially meets its end. The Oilers started their final four-game road trip in Sin City, where they faced off against the Vegas Golden Knights who are the top team in their division.
It was a rough start for the Oilers in Vegas, after posting only one shot on the net in 16 minutes of play, and ending up with four total shots in the first frame. With the Oilers struggling early on, Vegas was able to take the 1–0 lead, off the stick of Nicolas Roy. The second period drastically flipped in favor of the away team, after Jake Walman fired a laser past Adin Hill to tie the game at one, only 19 seconds in. The Oilers would then continue their scoring ways, and take a 3–1 lead into the third period. Here is our takeaways from what ended up being a close one in Vegas.
Leon Draisaitl continues to score
As we continue to talk about this guy, he continues to show us why he may win the Hart Trophy at the end of the regular season. After scoring goals 50 and 51 just a few nights ago back on home ice, Draisaitl decided to continue his Rocket Richard dominance, and score goal number 52.
Draisaitl has just taken control of games in such a massive way for the Oilers this season, and has truly carried this team in the absence of the NHL’s best player. As Draisaitl won’t stop scoring and stepping up, night in and night out, us as Oilers fans hope he doesn’t end up too tired and continues his ways by lighting it up in the post season.
Calvin Pickard played a strong game in the absence of Stuart Skinner
With their number one guy not in the lineup, Calvin Pickard took that step up and played a fantastic road game for the Oilers in Vegas. He was able to make some big saves when called upon, that allowed the Oilers to stay in good control of the game.
With a 3–1 lead heading into the third period, it didn’t take Vegas long to make this game interesting, with another early goal 2:35 into the final frame. Although the Oilers weren’t too out shot in the close of this game, Vegas was able to generate some chances that could have very easily tied this game up, and changed the team morale of the Oilers. Pickard was dialed in for the last 17:25 and didn’t allow a goal, which gave the team a gutsy win in the end.
Victor Arvidsson gets credited with the game winner?
Victor Arvidsson got the game winner for the Edmonton Oilers. Yes, you heard that right. In surprising fashion and thanks to a good goal call on the ice, Arvidsson’s goal would stand and end up being the GWG for the Oilers. With two goals in as many games, it may be safe for us to start asking if Arvidsson has slowly started to find his game this season for the Oilers.
Upcoming matchups for the Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are set to continue their final road trip stint, when they travel South to San Jose to face the Sharks on Thursday evening, which is the first of three games before the season ends on April 16. The Oilers then have a Saturday matinee against the team they are almost guaranteed to face in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, the Oilers fun in the sun will finish up in Anaheim against the Ducks next Monday on April 7.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
