In a game that showcased the resilience and determination of the Edmonton Oilers, the team clawed their way back from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to secure a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. The electrifying matchup had fans on the edge of their seats and reaffirmed the Oilers’ capability to overcome adversity.
However, it’s worth noting that the Blackhawks are currently in last place in the league, and Edmonton should not have found themselves trailing so significantly against a struggling opponent. Still, the Oilers’ ability to rally and earn two crucial points in the standings was a positive takeaway.
It was an even better night in the standings as both the LA Kings and Vegas Golden Knights, the two teams the Oilers are chasing, lost their respective games. The Kings fell 2-1 to the Calgary Flames, while the Golden Knights were defeated 2-1 by the New York Rangers.
First Period: Chicago Sets the Tone
The Blackhawks came out strong in the first period, dictating the pace early on. Teuvo Teravainen opened the scoring at 4:45 with a crisp wrist shot, assisted by Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno. Chicago’s relentless forecheck soon paid off again, as Nick Foligno found the back of the net at 15:01, capitalizing on a feed from Teravainen and Alec Martinez to make it 2-0.
Edmonton struggled to generate sustained pressure in the opening frame, leaving them trailing as the period closed.
Second Period: Edmonton Fights Back
The Oilers wasted no time in the second period. Just 22 seconds in, Vasily Podkolzin scored his fifth goal of the season, assisted by Viktor Arvidsson and Leon Draisaitl. The early goal injected life into Edmonton’s bench and gave them momentum.
However, Chicago struck back at 10:03, as Ryan Donato’s wrist shot restored a two-goal cushion for the Blackhawks. The Oilers, undeterred, continued to press, and Adam Henrique tipped in a shot at 15:49 to bring Edmonton back within one. Henrique’s effort, assisted by Ty Emberson and Podkolzin, reignited hope for the Oilers.
Just over a minute later, Corey Perry tied the game with a wrist shot at 17:30, set up by Kasperi Kapanen. The equalizer shifted the momentum entirely in Edmonton’s favor as they entered the final period tied at three apiece.
Third Period: Edmonton Seals the Comeback
The third period featured high-intensity action, with both teams battling for the go-ahead goal. Edmonton’s persistence paid off on a power play at 7:18 when Zach Hyman netted his 14th goal of the season with a perfectly placed wrist shot. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard earned assists on the play, as Edmonton took a 4-3 lead.
The Oilers’ defense held strong in the final minutes, with goaltender Calvin Pickard making several crucial saves to preserve the lead. Despite Chicago pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, Edmonton stood firm, securing the thrilling victory.
Scoring Breakdown
First Period
- Teuvo Teravainen (CHI) – 4:45, Wrist Shot (Assist: J. Dickinson, N. Foligno)
- Nick Foligno (CHI) – 15:01, Snap Shot (Assist: T. Teravainen, A. Martinez)
Second Period
- Vasily Podkolzin (EDM) – 00:22, Snap Shot (Assist: V. Arvidsson, L. Draisaitl)
- Ryan Donato (CHI) – 10:03, Wrist Shot (Assist: N. Allan, T. Hall)
- Adam Henrique (EDM) – 15:49, Tip-In (Assist: T. Emberson, V. Podkolzin)
- Corey Perry (EDM) – 17:30, Wrist Shot (Assist: K. Kapanen)
Third Period
- Zach Hyman (EDM) – 7:18, Power Play, Wrist Shot (Assist: L. Draisaitl, E. Bouchard)
This game will be remembered as a testament to the Oilers’ resilience and ability to rally in the face of adversity. Edmonton’s stars and depth players alike contributed to the victory, demonstrating their depth and determination. While the win was an important boost, it’s clear the Oilers need to avoid falling behind against weaker teams like the Blackhawks in the future. As the season progresses, this comeback win could serve as a turning point for the Oilers, boosting their confidence and solidifying their identity as a team that never gives up.