The Edmonton Oilers entered Climate Pledge Arena to faceoff against the Seattle Kraken Wednesday night with an illness riddled lineup. This showed itself unfortunately as the Oilers lost by a score of 4-2.
The game got away from the Oilers quickly in the first period as the Kraken scored three unanswered goals to put them up, 3-0. Just before the end of the first, defenceman Darnell Nurse scored from the point on the powerplay to cut the lead down to two, with a score of 3-1 to end the opening frame.
Early into the middle period, the Oilers top rookie Matt Savoie was able to score a deflection goal in tight. This is one of the abilities that has caused much praise for the 21 year old, as he is able to attack the net, and forecheck. It paid off this time and will continue to serve him well in the NHL this season.
The Kraken entered the opening frame with the dreaded 3-2, one goal lead but were able to put the cherry on top with Ryan Winterton scoring his second of the night to put them up 4-2 and that was all she wrote, the Oilers lost.
Key takeaways
You never want to look too deeply into a preseason game but the Oilers do have a couple things to take away from this game.
It was a good effort all around with the Oilers dominating the shots, allowing only 17 against. Pickard ended the night with a .765 save percentage and although you never like to blame the goalie, he would surely like to have some of those back.
There is also the flipside where the Oilers lead in shots 34-17 and you would like to score more than two in that scenario as well. The team did not have their big shooters however, scoring goals off a point shot and deflection in close instead.
It was not skewed by any means but another thing for the Oilers to take into consideration is their discipline. You would prefer to not take two penalties to start the first period and whenever your opponent is able to capitalize twice in a game, especially in the opening frame, it cannot help morale.
The Oilers let this game get away from them, simple as that.
Players of the game
Ike Howard
There have been some whispers throughout Oilers nation that have not been blown away but the play of Ike Howard through the rookie camp games and now in the preseason. However, he was able to showcase his play creation ability and notch two apples on the night.
To me, it is the little things that Howard does well that makes him an exciting player for the future. He is constantly progressing play well, making quick reads and reactions and moves the puck at a good level.
Darnell Nurse
Although sometimes we can put too much stock into preseason performance, Nurse has looked quite good in this early stretch. He has really showcased his shot, potting three goals so far in the preseason. If he can carry this into the regular season, we could see one of the best seasons the blueliner has had, which will bode well for the Oilers.
The Oilers will play their final game of the preseason on Friday night against the Vancouver Canucks, in Vancouver. They will then start their regular season on October 8th against the Calgary Flames.