In a thrilling matchup at Rogers Place, the Edmonton Oilers edged out the Montreal Canadiens with a final score of 6-5. Vasily Podkolzin scored the decisive goal with just 69 seconds left in the third period, marking a dramatic end to a game that saw both teams trade leads.
Game Highlights: Canadiens Collapse in Third Period
The Canadiens initially dominated the game, generating numerous scoring chances through their top line. However, a series of undisciplined penalties allowed the Oilers to capitalize and make a comeback in the final period.
- Key Players:
- Vasily Podkolzin (Oilers) – Scored the winning goal
- Alex Newhook and Cole Caufield (Canadiens) – Both scored two goals
- Josh Anderson (Canadiens) – Scored one goal
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Oilers) – One goal and one assist
- Connor McDavid (Oilers) – Contributed three assists
- Goals:
- Newhook opened the scoring for the Canadiens
- Tomas Tomasek equalized for the Oilers in the first period
- Henrique and Mangiapane put the Oilers ahead in the second period
- Anderson and Caufield responded to give the Canadiens a lead
- Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins brought the Oilers back to tie
Game Progression
The first period opened with both teams trading chances. The Canadiens took an early lead through Newhook’s goal at 7:28. The Oilers quickly countered with Tomasek scoring late in the period after a fortuitous deflection.
In the second period, the Oilers surged ahead with goals from Henrique and Mangiapane. However, the Canadiens fought back, with Anderson and Caufield netting quick goals to reclaim the lead before the intermission, making it 5-3 after two periods of play.
The third period began with Newhook extending the lead for the Canadiens to 6-4. Unfortunately for them, the discipline issues arose. Draisaitl scored on a power play, narrowing the gap. A subsequent penalty on Anderson further set the stage for the Oilers to rally and tie the game.
Final Moments
With the game tied, Podkolzin’s late goal sealed the Canadiens’ fate, leading to their eventual 6-5 defeat. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault faced 29 shots and had 23 saves, while Calvin Pickard of the Oilers made 22 saves during the contest.
With this loss, the Canadiens now hold a record of 6-3-0. They look to bounce back in their next game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. The return of forward Kirby Dach from injury brings some optimism to the lineup.
