• Powered by Roundtable
    Finn Marceau
    Finn Marceau
    Feb 5, 2025, 12:37

    Connor McDavid picked up three points while Connor Brown potted the game-winner for the Oilers in St. Louis

    Connor McDavid picked up three points while Connor Brown potted the game-winner for the Oilers in St. Louis

    James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports - Unlikely Hero Leads Oilers To Thrilling Victory

    It's probably not how they drew it up, but the Oilers are back in the win column.

    It took a controversial call, a blown third-period lead, some last-minute heroics, and, ultimately, an unlikely hero, but the Oilers will leave St. Louis with a massive overtime win and sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division.

    It took everything the Oilers had to get there. They dominated the first period, outshooting the Blues 13-3, but they just couldn't get one past Jordan Binnington, and the period ended in a scoreless tie.

    The second period was more of the same, as both goalies stood on their heads, making 13 saves each. It was Connor McDavid, of course, who finally broke the stalemate with a laser on the powerplay early in the period.

    The score was 1-0 heading into the third period, and early on in the final frame, it seemed destined to stay that way. But then Mattias Ekholm was dinged for interference on a borderline call, sending the Blues to the powerplay. It took some work and some luck, but Jordan Kyrou eventually stuffed the puck past Stuart Skinner to tie the game 1-1.

    Trending Oilers Articles

    Oilers' Recent Loss Reveals Great Need

    Oilers Can't Let Busy Trade Season Pass Them By

    Oilers' Top Prospect Shows Off Wheels At AHL Skills Competition

    Oilers Need To Rediscover Scoring Touch On The Road

    Still reeling from allowing the tying goal off a controversial penalty call, the Oilers fell apart. The Blues quickly took advantage, and thanks to Colton Parayko, it was suddenly a 2-1 game. 

    The Oilers just barely avoided going down even further when Robert Thomas missed a wide-open net on the ensuing play. It was a tough night for Thomas, who could've had up to five goals in the game but just couldn't find the back of the net.

    [gallery ids="140,120,141,142,13,143,135,34"]

    But for the second straight game, Leon Draisaitl came to the rescue with his patented one-timer. Unlike Saturday night against Toronto, this time nobody was offside and his game-tying goal stood, sending the Oilers and Blues to overtime.

    The Oilers' superstars got some help in overtime. Already boasting a goal and an assist on the night, Connor McDavid danced through the Blues' defence to find Connor Brown for an easy one-timer to win the game in sudden death. Pretty good timing for your first goal in 22 games.

    For long stretches of Tuesday's game, it seemed like the Oilers were going to get goalied for the third straight time and come away with another frustrating loss. But Stuart Skinner was masterful in keeping the game close, and eventually, the best players in the world found a way.

    With their win and Vegas' loss, the Oilers now sit alone in first place in the Pacific Division with 70 points and a game in hand over the Golden Knights. They'll be back in action tonight as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks.

    Image

    Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more. Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.