The Edmonton Oilers drop their season opening game 6-5 in overtime to their Pacific Division and Western Canadian rival Vancouver Canucks.
It was an eventful contest that saw the Oilers make a late game comeback, tying the game up 5-5 late in the third period after being down 5-2 part way. From an Oilers perspective, the game saw some very high highs and very low lows.
Oilers goaltending already a concern
To get the negative out of the way first, the Oilers goaltending may be a problem based on first impressions this season. Oilers returning goaltender Tristan Jarry got the nod for the season opener and things did not go his way.
Anytime your goalie lets in six goals against it is a rough outing but Jarry allowed six goals against on just 23 shots against from a Canucks team that is not expected to be Stanley Cup contenders to say the least.
Jarry finished the night with an abysmal .739 save percentage and a -3.51 goals saved above expected, meaning that based on the quality of shots he faced, he should have let in just two or three against at most. Based on how both teams performed, Moneypuck.com gave the Oilers 89.9% on their 'Deserve To Win O'Meter' meaning that in 1000 simulations, the Canucks won just 10.1% of the time.
In summary, expect Devon Levi to get the start in goal next game. It could be a great opportunity for the young netminder to take the reins and run away with the starter's crease.
Bouchard's Norris Trophy redemption tour begins
Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard not only opened the scoring for his team, tying the game 1-1 off a wrist shot from the point. He then added another goal, then another, and added two assists, receiving a point on all five Oilers goals.
He begins the 2026-27 season how he ended last year, leading all NHL defencemen in scoring with five points after day one. It was as good of a start as you can hope for and he looked like a player who has something to prove to the entire hockey world.
It was already egregious that he was snubbed of a Norris Trophy win, much less a nomination but now he will make all of his doubters eat crow. So far, he is off to a fantastic start as he looks to not only get himself some individual accolades but hopefully help lead the Oilers to a Stanley Cup win.
Podkolzin looks to have another career best year
25 year old Russian winger Vasily Podkolzin was impressive in this game and a big reason why the Oilers were able to comeback and stay relevant in this game. He scored a pair of goals in the third period, finishing the game with seven shots on goal and 18:20 of time on ice.
Podkolzin has a great opportunity to have a breakout year this season, following up his 2025-26 that saw him post career best numbers already. He scored 19 goals and 18 assists for 37 points in 82 games played last season and based on his performance and how he has been trending, it should only improve from there.
He was impressive in this game from the first shift onwards and will be a big piece to the Oilers forward core moving forward.
Game one down, 83 more to go for the Oilers on the 2026-27 season.
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