The Edmonton Oilers didn’t want their season to be over just yet. Instead, they pushed hard in their second-round matchup against the Vancouver Canucks, leading to a final Game 7.
Evan Bouchard and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins both contributed with a goal and two assists, while Connor McDavid provided three assists in the Oilers’ 5-1 victory on Saturday night. This win forced a deciding Game 7 in the series.
“The team was ready right from the beginning. We knew the importance of this game,” said Edmonton’s Dylan Holloway. “After some initial nervousness, we settled into our game and maintained momentum throughout,” Holloway added.
Dylan Holloway, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane also scored goals for the Oilers, while Stuart Skinner made 14 saves.
“We played with more speed, cleaner execution, and better control of the puck. Our forecheck was effective, and we kept the pressure on,” McDavid remarked.
“While it’s good to extend our season, there’s no room for complacency. We expect the same level of urgency and intensity in Game 7. Vancouver will surely step up their game, and we need to be prepared for a tough battle,” McDavid concluded.
Nils Hoglander scored for Vancouver, who are aiming to reach the Western Conference final for the first time since 2011. Arturs Silovs made 22 saves.
“We knew this game would be tough to win,” said Canucks forward Brock Boeser. “They scored a couple of tough goals, but we still believe we can win.” Game 7 is set for Monday night in Vancouver, with the winner facing Dallas in the Western Conference final.
Edmonton got on the board first at 8:18 of the first period when Leon Draisaitl passed to Holloway, who maneuvered through the defense and scored his third goal of the playoffs.
“What an amazing effort,” said Hyman. “For a player who joined us for the playoffs, it’s a huge goal that settled the team down.” Draisaitl has recorded at least one point in all 11 playoff games this season.
Less than two minutes later, the Canucks tied the game as Elias Pettersson passed from behind the net to Hoglander, who scored his first playoff goal past Skinner.
The Oilers almost scored with just 1 second left in the first period when Bouchard took a shot, but the goal was disallowed because McDavid bumped into Silovs.
Edmonton took the lead for good at 7:14 of the second period when McDavid found Hyman in the slot, and his shot deflected off Silovs and into the Vancouver net for his 10th goal of the playoffs. Before this game, McDavid had only one assist in his last three games.
McDavid got another assist with 8:40 left in the second period when Bouchard scored his fifth goal and 17th point of the playoffs with a long shot from the point.
With his second assist, McDavid became just the 10th player in NHL history to get 20 playoff points in three straight seasons.
The Oilers extended their lead to 4-1 just 3:25 into the third period when McDavid got his third assist, passing to Nugent-Hopkins, who scored his third goal of the playoffs.
Edmonton sealed the win with less than 7 minutes left when Kane got the puck from the draw and scored his fourth goal of the playoffs with a powerful shot.
Boeser believes the Canucks can bounce back in Game 7. “It might not be what you imagined as a kid, but it’s definitely a chance for our team,” he said.
“We know we can perform better. … We’ll regroup, analyze what we can improve, and it’s going to be about who wants it more in the next game.” Skinner was back in goal for the Oilers after Pickard started the last two games.
Draisaitl became only the fourth player ever to achieve 60 assists in 60 playoff games and the third in NHL history to reach 100 points, following Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
