Overtime was needed Friday night to get a winner in game two of the Western Conference Semi-Finals (or, as they’re calling it in the great white north, the Canadian Championship). Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard threw a puck toward the net, and it hit Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ian Cole’s stick and went in to give the Edmonton Oilers a 4-3 victory.
“The goalie played good, I just tried to get it to the net,” Bouchard said, “luckily it was their guy that tipped it.” The assists went to Connor McDavid, who had a goal and three assists, and Leon Draisaitl, who was a game-time decision, and it was a good decision. He also scored a goal and made three assists.
Oilers’ McDavid Ties the Game in the Third
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The Oilers’ big three were on the ice all night. Connor McDavid played 28:12, Leon Draisaitl played 27:05, and Zach Hyman was on the ice for 25:48. Edmonton outshot Vancouver 15-2 in the third period to send the game to overtime.
“I don’t even know why I’m standing here convincing you guys they’re the best in the world,”
Oilers’ defenseman Mattias Ekholm told reporters, “I just think they are, and they keep showing it every night.”
Connor McDavid showed why coaches always say, ‘Keep your feet moving,’ when he tied the game in the third. He tipped a loose puck at center ice to himself, flying up the ice to create a breakaway. He made a couple of moves and beat Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs.
Canucks Start Strong in the First
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Two power-play goals made it 1-1 at the end of the first period. The Vancouver Canucks had the first power play when Adam Henrique went off for tripping. Edmonton was only short-handed for about 20 seconds as Elias Pettersson got a perfect pass rink-wide from J.T. Miller. Stuart Skinner couldn’t get across the paint and Pettersson put it in the open net. It was 1-0 Canucks.
Edmonton went on the power play after a Tyler Myers hooking call. After several great chances, Leon Draisaitl put the puck in the net on a great pass from Connor McDavid. He now has 13 points in the Oilers’ seven playoff games.
The teams combined for just 12 shots on goal in the first period.
Referees Miss High Stick to Quinn Hughes’ Face
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One play brought the Canucks offense alive late in the second period. Referee Kelly Sutherland missed a high stick call that drew blood on Quinn Hughes’ face. The Oilers’ Connor McDavid got his stick up high, and the fans and players were furious.
“[The officials] have a really hard job,” Hughes said. “usually both sides are yelling at them… from my perspective I got hit in the face, that’s all i know.”
The Canucks seemed energized after the missed call. Defenseman Nikita Zadorov took the puck down the wall toward the corner and threw a shot toward the net at a nearly impossible angle. Stuart Skinner’s was not tight to the post, and the puck went over his shoulder. It was a shot he had to stop. Vancouver went into the second intermission with a 3-2 lead.
The Canucks came into this game with five wins in five games against the Oilers this season, outscoring them 29-14.
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Bradley Tachco is a career journalist. I spent 12+ years at CNN as a writer and producer. My sports are the NHL, MLB, and NFL. My goal: unique content. And my teams are the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills (yes, I’m a masochist), and the Los Angeles Dodgers. I have been a Dodgers fan since I was old enough to think. I have gone through decades of despair with all three franchises. You can follow Bradley on X @p09691
