Pickard's 35 Saves Lead Oilers to 3-1 Victory, Ending 5-Game Skid
Calvin Pickard was the star of the night as the Edmonton Oilers ended a frustrating five-game losing streak with a 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Pickard made a total of 35 saves, including several key stops in the third period, to ensure his team’s victory at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.
It was a much-needed victory for the Oilers, who had struggled to find their rhythm in recent games. Leon Draisaitl played a pivotal role as well, contributing two assists to extend his point streak to an impressive 11 games. Draisaitl’s playmaking ability was on full display, and his efforts helped the Oilers push through the tough battle against a resilient Hurricanes squad.
Also Read:- Bol Bol’s Breakout Season is Turning Heads in Phoenix
- Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg Reunite for a Special 'Ghost' Moment at the 2025 Oscars
The game's first goal came early in the first period when the Oilers scored a short-handed goal. Mattias Janmark’s shot was saved by Frederik Andersen, but the rebound deflected off Adam Henrique and into the net, giving Edmonton a 1-0 lead. Despite some challenges on the power play, where Carolina went 0-for-3 in the first period, the Hurricanes were unable to recover from that early blow. Henrique’s goal was a result of excellent positioning and a smart play from Janmark to create the chance.
The Oilers doubled their lead late in the second period with Corey Perry scoring off a beautiful backhand pass from Draisaitl. The goal came at 16:29, and the Oilers were in control, leading 2-0. The Hurricanes fought back in the third period, and Sebastian Aho scored a power-play goal at 4:26 to pull Carolina within one. Aho’s sharp backdoor tap-in, assisted by Mikko Rantanen and Shayne Gostisbehere, breathed new life into the Hurricanes, but Pickard and the Oilers' defense held firm.
The remaining moments of the game were filled with tension as the Hurricanes pushed hard to tie it up. However, Pickard’s resilience in net, including a huge save on Aho’s breakaway attempt with less than a minute to go, was critical in preserving the lead. With Carolina’s net empty, Evan Bouchard sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, making it 3-1 and ensuring the Oilers would leave Raleigh with a crucial victory.
This win was more than just two points for the Oilers. It was a confidence booster, especially with the way they dug in and battled in the third period. Coach Kris Knoblauch spoke about the team’s improved effort, noting that the performance was a step in the right direction for Edmonton after their recent struggles. With Pickard standing tall in goal and Draisaitl continuing his exceptional form, the Oilers will hope to build on this win as they aim for a stronger finish to the season.
Read More:
0 Comments