Levi Blanks Maple Leafs for First Career Shutout as Oilers Hold On 1-0

Devon Levi stopped everything the Toronto Maple Leafs threw at him on Saturday night—save for one goal that was ruled a high-stick— earning his first career NHL shutout in a 1-0 win.

“Playing hockey is so much fun right now. I’m grateful to be here,” Levi said after the game.

The milestone was a long time coming. “Since I was a kid, been thinking about getting a shutout in the NHL,” he said. He credited his teammates for the result, saying he was “super proud of the guys” for making it happen for him.

Levi’s night included a few tense moments. Toronto appeared to score, but the goal was overturned because of a high stick. At the same time, his confidence was and is at an all-time high. When he made a late stop on Auston Matthews, who got a look from the slot near the end of the game, he noted, “I was like, bring it on."

The win lifts Levi’s record to 9-1, a remarkable run for a goaltender who did not play a single NHL game last season.

His path to Edmonton began in Buffalo, where things didn’t start well. After the trade, he said he was thrilled to know he was going to the Oilers. He also wanted to make sure he did what was needed to stick with the team. He followed some wise advice, found out what the veterans needed, and made sure he was on the ice when the leaders were.

That went a long way to telling the rest of his Oilers teammates that he was commited. They've had faith in him ever since.

Edmonton has now won three straight and is 15-3-3 this season. Though the offense has been quiet, they're still finding ways to earn two points. 

Head coach Mike Babcock praised his netminder. “Being a goaltender in the league is a difficult position, and getting your confidence and your shutout is all part of that,” he said. “He’s been good for us, and we’re happy to celebrate that with him.”

Levi, for his part, kept the focus on the team. “I want to be ready for the boys, to make sure I’m there when they need me,” he said.

With the confidence building and the wins stacking up, Levi appears to be settling in as a key piece of Edmonton’s push. If he's not yet considered the starter for this team, he's awfully close. Levi has handled every challenge thrown his way with poise and calm, becoming exactly what the Oilers hoped they were getting when they acquired him in a trade this offseason. 

Connor McDavid became the first player to reach 50 points this season, reaching the milestone in just 21 games. He is joining Gretzky (3x), Lemieux (3x), Bossy (1984-85), and Nicholls (1988-89).

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