Viljami Marjala’s overtime heroics and standout defensive performances from Atro Leppänen and Damien Carfagna force tough roster decisions as Edmonton’s youth depth shines against the Jets.
Another preseason game for the Edmonton Oilers under Mike Babcock and another win. This time, the game was tighter, and Edmonton pulled off a 2-1 overtime win, thanks to a 2-on-1 snipe from Viljami Marjala, who is making it hard for the Oilers to send him anywhere.
The young forward took a feed from Zach Hyman and snapped a shot over the shoulder of Winnipeg goaltender Dominic Divincentiis in overtime Tuesday night.
"It was a battle-type game... I thought our guys played hard," said Babcock.
Marjala was arguably the Oilers' best forward. He looked comfortable on NHL ice, showing strong puck protection and the ability to trade plays with high-skill players. As he did in last year's preseason, he's forcing the club to think twice about cutting him early.
Marjala wasn't the only strong prospect who doesn't project to be a regular this season for the Oilers. Both Atro Leppänen and Damien Carfagna were strong, earning high grades in some of the post-game reviews from journalists like David Staples.
It was Leppänen who got a puck through from the blue line to tie it 1-1 in the first period. He and Carfagna formed the Oilers' best pairing, dominating puck possession and moving it well at the offensive blue line. Carfagna was singled out as the top Oilers defenseman, making smart plays in all three zones.
Isaac Howard Taking Another Step as An NHLer
Of the players who are expected to be in the lineup and who the Oilers need to take the biggest step this summer, Isaac Howard was the guy. He won battles and fed Hyman for a couple of quality chances, including a near-goal on a rush into the slot. In a game that wasn't high-event hockey—where most might assume Howard would shine—he still stood out for the right reasons.
“I think it was just a simple game-just skating on pucks, thin lines, getting pucks in deep,” said Howard post-game. “I didn’t think there was a ton going on that game, but I think it was just a simple game."
“I’m just getting more comfortable with the different systems we’ve implemented, and I already felt a lot more natural this game than last game of just knowing where to be and being in the right spots. I think that’ll go a long way.”
It was the kind of play that got noticed by the new coach. He didn't love every aspect of Howard's game, but he could see real progression. “When you’re used to playing in a different league, and you have the puck all the time, and then you get out here, and you never get the puck, I think for young guys, it can be frustrating,” said Babcock. “Then you try to do too much instead of just doing your job, check it back, do your job, check it. You’re going to get a chance. Then you got to make it count. So it’s just a growing experience for Howie.”
The Oilers' prospect group is showing real depth. Howard looks like he's figuring out the NHL, while Marjala's overtime winner may be what keeps him in the conversation as camp continues.
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