Stuart Skinner made 25 saves, Leon Draisaitl recorded a goal plus an assist & Evan Bouchard put away the OT GWG! We have your Century Casino Edmonton winning numbers from last night’s #Oilers victory vs. Montreal.

On a night full of excitement at Rogers Place, the Edmonton Oilers secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over the Montreal Canadiens, continuing their push for a playoff spot. The game was a showcase of skill, determination, and big moments from key players. Stuart Skinner was solid between the pipes, making 25 saves, while Leon Draisaitl recorded a goal and an assist. However, it was Evan Bouchard who stole the spotlight, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

As the Oilers continue to strive toward the top of the Western Conference standings, games like this are crucial in maintaining momentum. Let’s take a deeper dive into the action from this pivotal game, highlight the key players who stood out, and examine the statistics and moments that made this win possible.

Stuart Skinner: A Solid Performance in Net

Stuart Skinner has been a revelation for the Oilers this season. As the team’s primary goaltender, Skinner has continued to show why he’s the future between the pipes for the franchise. In this game, Skinner was outstanding, making 25 saves on 27 shots, including some crucial stops to keep his team in the game during key moments. His performance was especially important as the Canadiens continued to test him with high-quality scoring chances throughout the night.

Skinner was particularly sharp during Montreal’s power play opportunities, denying the Canadiens on multiple occasions. His positioning was solid, and he was quick to react to pucks in tight, which is an area he has improved on significantly this season. In a game that was tight until the very end, Skinner’s composure and steady play were critical in giving the Oilers a chance to win.

“I think Skinner was one of our most important players tonight,” said Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft after the game. “He was calm and collected, made the big saves when we needed them, and gave us the chance to take over the game. That’s what you need from your goaltender, especially when things are tight.”

With goaltending being one of the most crucial aspects of a team’s success, Skinner’s continued growth and ability to rise to the occasion in pressure situations are invaluable to the Oilers as they look ahead to the playoffs.

Leon Draisaitl: A Masterclass in Playmaking and Scoring

Leon Draisaitl is a player that always seems to be in the middle of the action when it matters most, and this game was no exception. The German forward had a goal and an assist, and his all-around play was a significant factor in the Oilers’ success on this night.

Draisaitl opened the scoring for the Oilers in the first period, capitalizing on a beautiful pass from Connor McDavid. The two players’ chemistry was evident on the play, as McDavid danced through the Montreal defense and found Draisaitl in a prime shooting position. Draisaitl’s quick release beat Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault, giving the Oilers a 1-0 lead.

But Draisaitl wasn’t done there. In the second period, he assisted on a goal by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, showing his ability to create offense in a variety of ways. Draisaitl’s vision and ability to make plays under pressure continue to be a key strength for the Oilers.

“Leon is such an intelligent player,” said Paige, a local reporter covering the game. “He knows when to shoot, when to pass, and how to create space for his teammates. His hockey IQ is off the charts, and you saw that tonight.”

The chemistry between Draisaitl and McDavid is a constant source of excitement for Oilers fans, and on this night, it was evident that the duo was in sync. While Draisaitl’s individual talent is undeniable, it’s his ability to complement McDavid’s speed and vision that makes him such a dangerous weapon on the ice.

Evan Bouchard: The Overtime Hero

When the game reached overtime, the Oilers had to rely on their key players to come through in the clutch, and Evan Bouchard was more than up to the task. With just over a minute remaining in the extra frame, Bouchard picked up a loose puck at the blue line and calmly wired it past Montembeault for the game-winning goal.

The goal was a testament to Bouchard’s poise and confidence, especially in a high-pressure situation. The 23-year-old defenseman has been steadily improving in his role as a power-play quarterback and contributing to the team’s offense. This goal was his eighth of the season and his third game-winner, proving that Bouchard is not only a key piece of the Oilers’ power play but also someone who can deliver in clutch moments.

“I was just trying to make sure I got it on net,” Bouchard explained after the game. “The team was battling hard all night, and we just wanted to find a way to get the two points. I’m happy I could contribute.”

The Oilers’ ability to close out games in overtime has been a point of emphasis for the team this season, and Bouchard’s timely goal was a critical factor in ensuring that Edmonton walked away with the victory.

Team Play: The Importance of Depth

While Skinner, Draisaitl, and Bouchard were the standouts, it’s important to note that the Oilers’ victory was also a result of strong team play. Despite facing a Montreal team that has struggled this season, the Canadiens played hard and pushed Edmonton to the limit. In a tight game like this, the Oilers needed contributions from their entire lineup, and that’s exactly what they got.

From the solid defensive play of Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci to the efforts of players like Zach Hyman and Kailer Yamamoto, everyone on the team played their part. The Oilers have built a strong team identity that relies on balance—offensive firepower up front, solid defensive work in the back end, and reliable goaltending.

The fact that the Oilers were able to stick with their game plan and find a way to win, even when the Canadiens pushed back late in the game, is a testament to the team’s mental toughness and cohesion.

Montreal Canadiens: A Hard-Fought Game

Despite the loss, the Canadiens can hold their heads high after a well-played game. Montreal has been in a rebuilding phase for a few years, but they continue to fight hard every night. The Canadiens had their moments in this game, and they were certainly dangerous at times, particularly on the power play.

Josh Anderson and Mike Hoffman each scored for the Canadiens, and Montembeault was solid in net, stopping 28 of 31 shots. While Montreal’s effort wasn’t enough to secure the win, the game showed that they are capable of competing with top-tier teams like the Oilers, especially when they get contributions from their top players.

Century Casino Edmonton Winning Numbers

As always, the Century Casino Edmonton has partnered with the Oilers to provide fans with exciting game notes and winning numbers from the night’s victory. Here’s a look at some of the notable statistics and milestones from the Oilers’ 3-2 overtime win against the Canadiens:

• Stuart Skinner: 25 saves on 27 shots, .926 save percentage.
• Leon Draisaitl: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points.
• Evan Bouchard: 1 goal (OT game-winner), 1 point.
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: 1 assist.
• Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci: Solid defensive performances, each logging over 20 minutes of ice time.

Additionally, the Oilers’ power play was once again effective, going 1-for-3 on the night, showcasing the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities with the extra man. The Oilers have consistently ranked among the league’s best power-play units, and this game was no different.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Push for the Playoffs

With the win, the Oilers have added another crucial two points to their playoff chase, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a strong seeding in the Western Conference. As the season continues to wind down, every game is crucial, and the Oilers will need to maintain their level of play if they want to make a deep postseason run.

Key players like Skinner, Draisaitl, and Bouchard will continue to be relied upon, but the depth of the team will also play a significant role. If the Oilers can continue to get contributions from all corners of their roster, they’ll be a tough opponent for any team in the playoffs.

As for Montreal, the rebuilding process continues, but games like this show that they’re not far from being a competitive team once again. The Canadiens have young talent, and with continued development, they’ll be a team to watch in the coming years.