The Edmonton Oilers achieved a historic milestone with a 2-1 overtime victory on Saturday, setting a franchise record with an impressive 10 straight wins. Doing something no other Oilers roster has ever done — including during the glory days of the franchise — this remarkable feat marks a stark contrast from their performance just two months ago. It seems to suggest this is a resilient group who is transforming into legitimate 2024 Stanley Cup contenders.
The Oilers’ recent success is highlighted by 18 wins in their last 21 games, solidifying their position with improved goaltending, solid team defense, and impactful contributions from key players.
As the Oilers tried to set the franchise record, they looked sluggish out of the gate, the reality of the situation potentially a factor. Facing the Montreal Canadiens, the Oilers struggled, appearing fatigued and lacking energy. However, a remarkable third-period turnaround saw Leon Draisaitl scoring to level the game. In overtime, Evan Bouchard’s power-play goal secured the win, extending the Oilers’ streak.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch now boasts a club-record 10-game winning streak, guiding the team to an impressive 20-6 record since taking the helm, including an outstanding 18-3-0 performance in their last 21 games, with a notable 9-4 on the road. Knoblauch said, “There is a confidence that if we stick with it we’ll win hockey games. I’ve been very happy with our guys — they’ve been doing that, they’ve been talking about playing that way for a couple of months.”
10 Straight Means Oilers Understand How to Win Now
Key player Leon Draisaitl emphasized the team’s commitment to their game plan, showcasing resilience and a capacity to stick with their strategies for the entire sixty minutes. Reflecting on their ability to come from behind, Draisaitl noted the importance of capitalizing on early chances and expressed confidence in the team’s versatility in different game scenarios. Regarding the historic 10-game winning streak, Draisaitl remarked on its significance, stating it’s something that can’t be taken away from them.
The Oilers’ recent wins have demonstrated a shift in their playing style, with tight-checking and patient efforts resulting in scores of 3-1, 2-1, 3-2, and 3-1 in the last four victories. The team’s adaptation to a more defensively focused approach aligns with their belief in the effectiveness of such a strategy in playoff scenarios. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm emphasized the importance of grinding out wins with lower scores, highlighting the contributions of goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard in the team’s collective effort. “In the playoffs, it’s tough to score six goals. It’s usually these kind of wins where you just grind it, you grind it, you grind it a little more and you win 2-1 or 1-0 or 3-2,’ Ekholm explained.
Celebrating Connor McDavid’s 27th birthday, the Oilers’ victory against the Canadiens on this special occasion solidifies their position, placing them just a point behind Los Angeles in the Pacific Division. While still a Wild Card team, their upward movement in the standings reflects a team gaining confidence and cohesion as they continue their impressive winning streak.
