After recording three wins throughout a season-high six-game homestand, the Edmonton Oilers earned a much-needed victory Tuesday on the highway.
The Oilers will intention to keep up momentum forward of the 4 Nations Face-Off break after they go to the slumping Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night time.
Edmonton moved forward of Vegas for first place within the Pacific Division after recording its fourth win in six video games with a 3-2 extra time victory over the St. Louis Blues. The important thing to holding their perch, Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch stated, is channeling psychological toughness towards the Blackhawks and through Friday’s pre-break finale towards the Colorado Avalanche.
“It is essential that we put in a great effort and win as many video games as attainable,” Knoblauch stated.
Resilience lifted the Oilers in St. Louis. The Blues took a 2-1 lead halfway by way of the third interval with targets 3:46 aside earlier than Edmonton rallied. Leon Draisaitl scored the equalizer with 2:14 to play, and Connor Brown scored 2:33 into extra time.
“It was good that we caught with it, and we have seen that lots this 12 months,” Knoblauch stated.
Oilers celebrity captain Connor McDavid, who contributed a purpose and two assists, has factors in seven of the previous eight video games. Draisaitl, who leads the NHL with 37 targets, has factors in 4 straight video games and 12 of his final 13.
Chicago has 37 factors, second fewest within the NHL. The Blackhawks have been idle since Saturday’s 5-1 highway loss to the Florida Panthers, the membership’s ninth defeat up to now 11 video games (2-6-3).
Their go to to the reigning Stanley Cup champions began promisingly, as Landon Slaggert scored simply seven seconds into the sport to web the quickest game-opening purpose in Blackhawks’ historical past.
Florida responded rapidly, nonetheless, tying the sport about 5 minutes later earlier than taking the benefit for good halfway by way of the primary interval.
With growing a younger core looming because the central goal for the ultimate six weeks of the season, the Blackhawks know there’s extra to be gleaned from taking part in nearer video games.
Whereas three of the membership’s previous six losses have are available in a shootout or extra time, outcomes akin to Saturday’s lack teachable moments.
“When (dangerous shifts) occur again and again, I believe guys have a tendency to simply fold in,” Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy stated.
Murphy returned to the lineup after a groin ailment sidelined him all through January. He stated his bodily situation was “good.”
With Murphy and different defensemen transferring the puck, Chicago desires to remain constant on breakouts as new, youthful forwards develop acclimated to the system.
“Understanding the place guys are going to be and realizing any individual’s going to be there so you may put it to a spot or an space,” Blackhawks defenseman Alec Martinez stated of that acclimation.
Wednesday’s recreation will resolve the season collection between the Oilers and Blackhawks. Chicago defeated host Edmonton 5-2 on Oct. 12 earlier than the Oilers responded with a 4-3 highway victory on Jan. 11.
Chicago’s Teuvo Teravainen has three targets and three assists towards Edmonton this season. The Oilers’ Corey Perry has scored in each conferences.
–Subject Stage Media
