The Edmonton Oilers delivered a statement performance against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Without Connor McDavid and with the media narrative that this was a game that could get out of hand, the Oilers showed their depth, discipline, and willingness to let the Canucks lose their cool and take too many penalties. It resulted in a 6-2 win for Edmonton. Here are the key takeaways from the game:
Draisaitl, Hyman Lead the Oilers With Three Points Each
Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman both had three points to lead the Oilers. Hyman scored two goals early and had a few good chances to get the hat trick. Draisaitl had a goal and two assists, with one of the passes of the year to Hyman.
Draisaitl has stepped in the past without McDavid and he did so again. After the game, he noted he liked the team’s all-around effort and their composure in a contest that the Canucks let get away from them. Draisaitl extended his home points streak to 17 games and played 21:55. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a goal and an assist, while the power play continued to click with two goals.
Corey Perry’s Veteran Impact
Corey Perry continues to prove his worth, even if he’s not a heavy presence on the scoreboard. He was a pest that drove the Canucks crazy, targeting Vancouver’s top players and forcing the Canucks into bad penalties.
He said he thought the Oilers were dialed in from the start and said the three early goals set the tone. His physicality and in-game awareness were evident, especially when he neutralized what was going to be a power play for the Canucks. He let Teddy Blueger lose his cool and punch away while the refs evened things up.
Draisaitl praised Perry post-game, calling him one of the smartest players he’s ever seen when reading what the game needs. Draisaitl added, “His hockey IQ and in-game management” is up there with anyone he’s ever played against.
Calvin Pickard Stands Tall Early
Getting the start on Thursday night, Calvin Pickard was solid in goal again. He held Vancouver off the scoreboard early. Both goals on Pickard weren’t necessarily his fault, and when the Canucks pushed later in the second, Pickard stood tall.
He made 24 saves on 26 shots for a .923 save percentage.
Special Teams and Discipline Make the Difference
Canucks coach Rick Tocchet referenced his team’s undisciplined play, which gave the Oilers too many “freebies.” Penalties and poor decision-making—highlighted by Vincent Desharnais taking three penalties—were costly for Vancouver. The Oilers made the Canucks pay, scoring two power-play goals.
With Connor McDavid watching from the press box, this performance showed that Edmonton is not just a one-man team. They picked up a big win without the captain and sent a message to a Canucks’ team that had no answer for Edmonton’s depth.
Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Canucks, Penguins, Maple Leafs
