McDavid scores twice as the Oilers beat the Wild 5-3, their seventh win in eight games.
The Edmonton Oilers are on a roll, and their latest victory over the Minnesota Wild showcased everything that has made them such a dangerous team this season: relentless offense, timely defense, and leadership from their superstar captain, Connor McDavid. With McDavid scoring twice and adding an assist, the Oilers claimed a 5-3 win over the Wild, their seventh win in their last eight games. The victory, which came on home ice at Rogers Place, was a testament to the Oilers’ depth, skill, and resilience, as they continue to climb in the standings and solidify their place among the league’s elite teams.
This game was no exception to the Oilers’ recent trend of high-scoring, fast-paced affairs, but it was also a game where they showed their ability to close out tight contests, something that will serve them well come playoff time. McDavid’s brilliance was on full display, but the Oilers also received strong contributions from players up and down the lineup, including Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and a key performance from goaltender Stuart Skinner. For the Wild, despite an all-out effort to make a game of it, they ultimately fell short as the Oilers’ offensive firepower proved too much to overcome.
First Period: A Fast Start to an Entertaining Game
From the moment the puck dropped, it was clear this was going to be a high-energy, fast-paced game. Both teams were eager to assert themselves, with the Oilers looking to continue their strong play while the Wild were determined to end a recent slide and keep pace in the Central Division. The game was tied 1-1 after the first period, with both teams exchanging goals in a thrilling opening 20 minutes.
The Oilers got on the board first, at 7:46 of the opening period. It was a great example of Edmonton’s speed and puck movement in transition. McDavid, as he often does, created space with his elite skating and vision. He found a streaking Evan Bouchard, whose slapshot from the blue line beat Wild goaltender Marc-André Fleury to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead. The play was initiated by McDavid’s speed through the neutral zone, which forced the Wild defense to collapse around him, leaving Bouchard open for the one-timer.
Minnesota, however, responded quickly, tying the game at 8:56 with a spectacular individual effort from Kirill Kaprizov. Kaprizov, one of the league’s most talented forwards, made a brilliant move around Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, cutting to the front of the net before beating Skinner on the backhand to make it 1-1. It was a quick strike from the Wild, who capitalized on a turnover and made the Oilers pay for the miscue. The goal highlighted Kaprizov’s incredible skill and why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in the NHL.
The rest of the period was evenly contested, with both teams getting their chances, but neither side able to break the deadlock. Fleury was sharp in goal for the Wild, making several key saves on shots from McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins. Skinner, who has been solid for the Oilers all season, stood tall for Edmonton, especially during a few tense moments as the Wild looked to capitalize on some strong zone time in the latter stages of the period. Both teams had their opportunities on the power play, but excellent penalty kills by both sides kept the score tied at 1-1 as the period came to a close.
Second Period: McDavid Takes Over
The second period was where the game truly began to turn in favor of the Oilers, thanks in large part to the brilliance of McDavid. With both teams trading chances early in the period, the Oilers’ captain put his team on his back and put on a show, scoring twice to give Edmonton a 3-2 lead heading into the third period.
It didn’t take long for McDavid to make his mark in the middle frame. Just 2:23 into the period, the Oilers regained the lead on a power-play goal from Draisaitl. The goal came after Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin was sent to the penalty box for interference. Draisaitl’s one-timer from the left circle was perfectly placed, and Fleury had no chance as the puck sailed past him. McDavid, who had the puck behind the net, made a quick pass to Draisaitl, setting up the goal with his exceptional playmaking ability. It was the Oilers’ second power-play goal of the night and gave them a 2-1 lead.
Just a few minutes later, McDavid was at it again. At 7:25, he scored his first goal of the game to extend the Oilers’ lead to 3-1. McDavid picked up the puck in the neutral zone and turned on the afterburners, blowing past Wild defensemen and cutting to the net. As Fleury came out to challenge him, McDavid deftly slid the puck between his legs and into the back of the net for his 33rd goal of the season. The goal was another example of McDavid’s world-class speed and finish, as he made a highlight-reel play look almost effortless.
With McDavid now on fire, the Wild found themselves in a difficult spot. However, Minnesota wasn’t about to go down without a fight. At 12:42, the Wild struck back, cutting the Oilers’ lead to 3-2. The goal came on the power play after Oilers forward Warren Foegele was called for interference. Jared Spurgeon’s point shot was tipped in front by Ryan Hartman, redirecting the puck past Skinner for the Wild’s second goal of the night. It was a well-executed power-play goal, and Hartman’s tip made it difficult for Skinner to track the puck.
Despite the goal, the Oilers never let up, and McDavid continued to control the game. His pace and vision were simply too much for the Wild to handle. After the Wild’s goal, Edmonton responded by dominating possession and limiting Minnesota’s chances. The Oilers kept the pressure on Fleury and continued to dictate the tempo of the game. McDavid’s line, along with Draisaitl, Hyman, and Nugent-Hopkins, was relentless in attacking the Wild defense and forcing turnovers.
Third Period: The Wild Push, But McDavid Seals the Deal
The third period was a tense affair, with Minnesota pushing hard to tie the game and Edmonton trying to hold onto its lead. The Wild threw everything they had at Skinner, but the Oilers’ defense and goaltending held firm. With Fleury pulled for the extra attacker in the final minute, the Wild had one last chance to tie the game, but McDavid made sure there would be no comeback.
With just 42 seconds remaining, McDavid picked up the puck in the neutral zone and skated in alone on the empty net. With his blistering speed, he outraced the Wild defense and calmly slid the puck into the open net to seal the 5-3 victory for Edmonton. McDavid’s second goal of the night was his 34th of the season, and it capped off an outstanding performance in which he had a hand in all three of Edmonton’s goals in the second period.
The final moments of the game were a flurry of activity, but Minnesota’s efforts were too little, too late. The Oilers did a good job of managing the clock and holding off the Wild in the final minutes, ensuring that they would claim the two points. The victory extended Edmonton’s impressive run of form, which has seen them win seven of their last eight games.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- McDavid’s Dominance: Connor McDavid once again proved why he is the best player in the world. With two goals and an assist, including a dazzling individual effort for his first goal, McDavid was the difference-maker in this game. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability were on full display, and he was instrumental in the Oilers’ victory.
- Solid Goaltending from Skinner: While McDavid’s offensive brilliance grabbed the headlines, Stuart Skinner was also outstanding between the pipes for Edmonton. Despite facing 32 shots, Skinner was calm and composed, making several key saves when the Wild were pushing for an equalizer in the third period. His performance was critical in securing the two points for the Oilers.
- Special Teams Play: Edmonton’s power play was once again a key factor in the win. The Oilers converted two of their three power-play opportunities, including a crucial goal by Draisaitl early in the second period. Minnesota also had success on the power play, but the Oilers’ ability to capitalize on their opportunities ultimately made the difference.
- Oilers Depth Contributions: While McDavid was the star, the Oilers received key contributions from players up and down the lineup. Draisaitl’s power-play goal, Nugent-Hopkins’ strong play in both ends, and solid contributions from Hyman and Bouchard were all part of what made this victory a complete team effort.
- Wild’s Fight, But Incomplete: The Minnesota Wild showed resilience in pushing back after falling behind, but ultimately, they were unable to match the Oilers’ offensive firepower. Kaprizov was exceptional, and their power play showed some life, but the Oilers were simply too much on this night.
