EDMONTON — On March 22, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers triumphed over the Seattle Kraken with a thrilling 5-4 victory, bringing a wave of relief and excitement to the team amid injuries to their star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins led the charge with a remarkable hat trick, a performance that not only showcased his prowess but also marked an important moment in his career as he claimed his fourth hat trick. This game was particularly significant as it was the first time since McDavid was drafted by the Oilers that both he and Draisaitl missed a game due to injury.
Nugent-Hopkins, known for stepping up during critical moments, expressed confidence in his team, stating, “We obviously believe in ourselves and our group no matter who’s in or out of the lineup.” His determination was evident as he scored at even strength, on the power play, and even short-handed—becoming only the third player in the last 30 years to achieve this feat in a single game.
Teammates Adam Henrique and Jeff Skinner also contributed to the scoreline, reflecting the Oilers’ depth, which proved crucial in the absence of their primary stars. As of March 23, 2025, the Oilers held a record of 41-24-5 and were riding a wave of positive momentum with four wins and one overtime loss in their last five games.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised his team’s resilience, noting that the absence of their stars pushed other players to take on larger roles. “Absolutely, they’re excited. The most important part is they’re engaged more, they look at the shifts coming up and they know they’re going to be playing regularly,” he said. This engagement highlighted a shift in dynamics, with players finding motivation in stepping into new responsibilities.
The Kraken, while being outscored, showcased their competitive spirit. They battled hard throughout the match, though they ceded a significant volume in shot attempts during 5-on-5 play, managing only 43% of the total attempts. Nevertheless, they generated a 54.3% advantage in shot quality, indicating that their chances were more formidable compared to the Oilers.
One standout for the Kraken was Kaapo Kakko, who improved his season totals to 9 goals and 16 assists in 38 games. His two-goal performance marked the second time he found the net twice in a single game since joining the Kraken, an impressive turnaround after struggling during his previous seasons with the Rangers. Kakko’s contributions extended beyond scoring as he led his team in shot quality and created impactful scoring chances, further underscoring his rising influence.
Jani Nyman, who assisted on both of Kakko’s goals, also made a notable impression by becoming the third Kraken player under 20 to record a multi-assist game, joining fellow teammates Matty Beniers and Shane Wright. The line of Tye Kartye, John Hayden, and Mikey Eyssimont had a shot attempt advantage of plus-9 during the game and exemplified teamwork by maintaining high shot quality while on the ice.
The narrative was solidified by the overall performance of the Oilers' defense and goaltending. Stuart Skinner endeared himself to fans by stopping 27 shots, securing the win and enhancing his reputation as a dependable force between the pipes. His efforts were pivotal, ensuring that his team could capitalize on the opportunities they created, in light of the heavier shot attempts from the Kraken. Skinner’s resilience was complemented by his teammates, with Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse each contributing two assists to the offensive cause.
Reflecting on his team’s performance amidst a challenging situation, Nugent-Hopkins noted how confidence played a role. “Confidence plays a big part in this game and sometimes when it doesn’t go for you, you can lack some confidence,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support in overcoming adversities. This collective ethos is what the Oilers embody as they navigate the rest of the season.
Looking ahead, the Oilers aim to maintain this newfound momentum, demonstrating that they can prevail even against formidable odds without their stars. They are set to face further challenges, but the performance against the Kraken has rejuvenated the squad’s spirits and showcased their depth. With Nugent-Hopkins leading the charge, there is hope that the team can sustain their competitive edge as they inch closer to the playoff season.
