Bouchard Scores OT Winner on 27th Birthday as Oilers Edge Wild 4-3

Evan Bouchard gave himself the perfect 27th birthday present, scoring the overtime winner with a wicked wrist shot that beat Jesper Wallstedt to lift the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-3 victory over Minnesota. It was a fitting way to celebrate, and when asked about what it felt like to be the hero on his birthday, Bouchard responded, “It feels good just to get the win against a good hockey team."

For the Oilers, it was another win and an important one as they start a five-game homestand. 

Bouchard capped a gritty comeback that pushed Edmonton to 7-1-1 on the season. After an early goal against, Edmonton found their stride. They scored late in the first on a power play, then early in the second, still on the man advantage. They went up 3-1, and looked to hold off a very talented Wild roster, with the NHL's leading goal scorer leading the charge.

Edmonton allowed two but survived a late push to force overtime. And then, without touching the puck in the extra frame, the Wild were called for a too-many-men penalty, giving the Oilers a chance to capitalize on the power play. 

It was a wild sequence (pun intended) and an entertaining game against arguably Edmonton’s toughest opponent so far this season. Special teams were the key, and they ultimately won the contest for the Oilers.

The Oilers went 3-for-5 on the power play and a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill, including a successful 3-on-5 stand. Leon Draisaitl added two goals and an assist, Mathieu Joseph also scored, making that two games for him in a row.

Connor McDavid made history in the win, picking up three assists to reach 20 through nine games, the fewest in NHL history to hit that mark in a single season. He became the 6th player in NHL history to reach 25 points before his 10th game of the season. He has points in all nine games this year and now sits at 6-20-26.

Devon Levi turned aside 27 shots in goal.

The Oilers look to keep the momentum rolling. They'll take on the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes, on Thursday. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be back in the lineup, which is more good news for a team that seems to be getting a lot of it these days. 

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