The Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks and narrowly secured a 4-3 victory on Saturday night (Jan. 11).
Despite enduring another lackluster start, the team managed to clinch two crucial points, overcoming stretches of subpar performance.
Initially, they appeared disengaged, falling behind 3-1 midway through the second period.
However, following the Blackhawks’ third goal, Edmonton ramped up their game, gaining control in the offensive zone and orchestrating a comeback.
While the win was far from flawless, the team accomplished what was needed. Here are five takeaways from this Western Conference clash.
Oilers with Another Sleepy Start
Mirroring their previous encounter with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Oilers exhibited a sluggish first period against the Blackhawks.
In their last game, they were down 4-1 after 20 minutes, and this time they trailed 2-0 against the league’s last-place team.
Once more, Edmonton seemed unprepared, allowing Chicago to take full advantage of their lack of urgency. Although the Oilers had a few decent chances in the opening frame, their offensive presence was limited.
Many opportunities were short-lived, and the Blackhawks effectively transitioned the puck up the ice.
It is essential for the Oilers to start games with better intensity; failing to do so will allow more competent teams to capitalize and maintain leads.
Oilers Need to Upgrade Fourth-Line Centre
This game underscored the necessity for Edmonton to seek improvements at the fourth-line center position, as Derek Ryan has not proven to be the solution.
He returned to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in recent games, stepping in for Jeff Skinner, who was scratched for the second time this season.
At 38 years old, Ryan’s age is evident, as he struggles to keep pace with the game. He lacks the skill and speed required to compete at the NHL level, consistently losing puck battles and being outmuscled along the boards.
The energy and grit expected from a fourth-line player are missing, as evidenced by multiple turnovers during his team-low eight minutes of ice time.
It reached a point where Connor McDavid took a few changes with Ryan’s linemates, Kasperi Kapanen and Corey Perry, in the second period.
With just one goal and five points this season, Ryan’s reliability in the defensive zone is questionable, raising the issue of his overall value to the lineup.
While Mattias Janmark filled in at center during Ryan’s healthy scratch period, he is naturally a winger and should remain in that position. Consequently, the Oilers need to pursue a better fourth-line center before the Trade Deadline and consider waiving the veteran forward.
Connor vs. Connor Disappoints
This highly anticipated matchup featured a showdown between two generational talents, Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard. However, by the game’s conclusion, neither player was a focal point of discussion.
Both finished pointless, with a minus-2 rating for the evening. Bedard did not even register a shot on goal, while McDavid managed just one. From an offensive standpoint, this game was forgettable for both stars.
Oilers Get Secondary Scoring
In their last game against the Penguins, Leon Draisaitl led Edmonton with two goals in a 5-3 loss. The team’s top players were the sole contributors, resulting in both Draisaitl and McDavid exceeding 26 minutes of ice time.
Trailing 3-0 less than halfway through the first period prompted head coach Kris Knoblauch to put the two superstars together for the remainder of the game.
However, despite facing an early deficit in this matchup, the Oilers remained composed and did not panic. They received outstanding scoring contributions from their depth players, a departure from the previous game.
Vasily Podkolzin netted his fifth goal, Adam Henrique scored his sixth, and Corey Perry added his seventh, all in the second period, leveling the game and setting the stage for a third-period victory.
Henrique has recently rediscovered his offensive prowess, scoring three goals in his last three games. After some initial struggles, the 34-year-old veteran has regained his form and is contributing at a crucial time.
If he can maintain this level of production moving forward, the Oilers will be in a strong position. Reliable secondary scoring is vital as the playoffs approach, making it essential for him to continue this trend.
Oilers’ Power Play Was the Difference-Maker
Taking advantage of their single power-play opportunity, the Oilers capitalized effectively. Zach Hyman scored the eventual game-winning goal from close range just 7:18 into the third period, putting Edmonton ahead 4-3 and completing the comeback.
Hyman now has 14 goals this season, recording his 11th since being left off Team Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Edmonton’s power play has improved to 24.8% for the season, ranking eighth in the NHL. Their special teams came through in this crucial game.
With the victory, the Oilers improved to 26-13-3, continuing a tight battle with the Los Angeles Kings for second place in the Pacific Division.
The team is about to enter a challenging stretch, facing six opponents currently in playoff positions, starting on Monday (Jan. 13) when they host the Kings in a critical divisional showdown.
