SEATTLE (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers continue to show resilience on the ice, securing their third consecutive victory with a 4-2 win over the Seattle Kraken on January 4
. The Oilers showcased strong teamwork and impressive individual performances, most noticeably from Leon Draisaitl, who extended his points streak to 14 games.
Right from the start, Vasily Podkolzin put the Oilers on the board just 57 seconds after the puck drop, receiving a pass from Draisaitl and firing it past Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer. Edmonton's early lead catapulted them to dominate the game, with Jeff Skinner adding to the score just five minutes later, marking his seventh goal of the season.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played pivotal roles too, sweeping up and scoring at 8:08 left in the second period to give the Oilers a 3-0 lead. Despite the Kraken managing to score twice, with goals from Jaden Schwartz and Chandler Stephenson, Edmonton maintained their composure, closing the game with Draisaitl sealing the victory with an empty-netter.
Goalie Calvin Pickard had another solid night, thwarting 15 shots, leading the Oilers to improve their record to 24-12-3.
After the game, Draisaitl's impressive performance continued to shine through, accumulating 30 assists for the season, solidifying his position as one of the top players against Seattle, with 25 points across 11 career games against them.
Meanwhile, the team has made significant roster moves, recently bringing Kasperi Kapanen aboard after his stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues. Kapanen, who was previously placed on waivers, expressed optimism about finding his rhythm with the Oilers.
“This is the best team I've ever been on,” Kapanen stated, shifting from his rocky past to embrace the new environment Edmonton offers. At 28, Kapanen seems ready to embrace his prime, showcasing speed and agility on the ice, which the Oilers sorely needed.
His adaptability was highlighted through conversations with teammates about his previous skills, especially when paired with Draisaitl and other dynamic players. “He can (still) be physical, similar to when we broke the league,” noted teammate Zach Hyman, emphasizing Kapanen's potential to impact the team positively.
Including Kapanen allows the Oilers to explore multiple lineup configurations, giving head coach Jay Woodcroft options, especially during high-stress game situations. He expressed confidence, reflecting on Kapanen's flexibility, stating he is capable of “being in the Bottom 6, or I can be in the Top 6. Whatever the team needs.”
Through these roster changes and revitalized performances, the Oilers appear to be on the right track as they prepare for upcoming matchups, including facing off against the Boston Bruins next.
With Kapanen's previous accolades, including the Golden Goal for Finland at the 2016 World Juniors, he harbors potential hopes to contribute significantly to this Edmonton squad. The Oilers, who pushed close to championship contention last season, see Kapanen as a key piece on their puzzle.
With high stakes and hopes pinned on their new signing and continued impressive outings from established stars like Draisaitl, the Oilers look forward to carving their path for continued success.
While the team remains focused on winning, Kapanen echoes the sentiments of the dressing room, as he attributes the Oilers' culture as unmatched. Walking through the locker room and interacting with his new teammates has him optimistic about what’s to come.
“It’s about winning, and in some weird way, building a legacy,” stated Kapanen, speaking to the importance of winning with the Oilers as they endeavor not only to secure victories but also to etch their names in hockey history.
The Edmonton Oilers continue their season, aiming for heights of success.