The Edmonton Oilers looked like they might run away with a win against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period. But, after taking a 2-0 lead, the Oilers let the Red Wings score twice. Both teams stretched things out through the third period and overtime, with Detroit eventually winning in the shootout. The game featured almost 50 shots and only two goals per team.
The Oilers three-game winning streak comes to an end, but they do pick up a single point.
Leon Draisaitl scored first for the Oilers on the power play. Jeff Skinner scored his ninth of the season, not long after. Skinner had one of his strongest games of the season, digging in offensively and defensively, charging back to break up a 2-on-1 with a smart stick lift.
The Red Wings scored in the second early, and then Dylan Larkin broke in around a sleepy defense to tie the game. Larkin had a big night, scoring a goal, netting the shootout winner, and going 62% in the faceoff circle on 39 draws.
Late in the second, Draisaitl hit the post.
Tie Game That Went Into a Shootout
There was no scoring in the third period, despite there being some solid chances. In the extra time, Zach Hyman was called for an interference penalty. The Oilers killed it off and had a shot at scoring shorthanded when Darnell Nurse and Adam Henrique just missed in a two-on-one.
Alex Lynon was excellent for the Red Wings. He had 45 saves on the night, the second most in his career. Stuart Skinner was solid at times but not wonderful at others.
Detroit is now 12-4-1 under ex-Edmonton coach Todd McLellan.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said the team had opportunities to put this game away but failed to do so. When asked about John Klingberg‘s first game, the coach thought he made a good first impression. Klingberg made some nice plays, and for the first game after 14 months and at game 51, Klingberg was solid. Klingberg said of his performance:
“I wanna take steps every game & I think with the skill this team has I’m gonna fit in pretty good with how they play with the puck. It’s gonna be a matter of getting back to speed without the puck.”
Next: Farabee, Frost to Flames in Trade for Kuzmenko, Pelletier & Picks
