After recording three wins during a season-high six-game home, Edmonton Oilers got a much needed victory Tuesday on the road.
Oilers will strive to maintain speed before the four nations’ facial outages as they visit the sinking Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday evening.
Edmonton went in front of Vegas for first place in Pacific Division after recording his fourth victory in six matches with a 3-2 overtime victory over St. Louis Blues. The key to holding his perch, said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, channels mental tough to the Blackhawks and during Friday’s burning final against Colorado Avalanche.
“It is important that we make a good effort and win as many games as possible,” Knoblauch said.
Resilience Lifted Oilers in St. Louis. Blues took a 2-1 lead halfway through the third period with target 3:46 apart before Edmonton gathered. Leon Draisaitl made the equalizer with 2:14 to play, and Connor Brown made 2:33 to overtime.
“It was good that we got stuck with it, and we’ve seen it a lot this year,” Knoblauch said.
Oiler’s superstar Captain Connor McDavid, who contributed one goal and two assists, has points in seven of the last eight matches. Draisaitl, who leads the NHL with 37 goals, has points in four straight matches and 12 of his last 13.
Chicago has 37 points, second smallest in the NHL. The Blackhawks have been free since Saturday’s 5-1 road loss to Florida Panthers, the club’s ninth defeat in the last 11 matches (2-6-3).
Their visit to the reigning Stanley Cup champions started promising, as Landon Slaggert did only seven seconds in the match to net the fastest game opening in Blackhawk’s history.
However, Florida responded quickly and binds the game about five minutes later before taking the advantage too good halfway through the first period.
By developing a young core that comes as the central goal for the last six weeks of the season, the Blackhawks know that there is more to be taken from playing closer games.
While three of the club’s last six losses have come in a shootout or overtime, the results are like Saturday’s lack of teachable moments.
“When (bad shifts) happen over and over, I think guys just fold in,” said Blackhawks defender Connor Murphy.
Murphy returned to the Lineup after a groin disease sideled him throughout January. He said his physical condition was “good.”
With Murphy and other defenders moving the puck, Chicago wants to stay consistent on outbreaks when new, younger forwards are adapted to the system.
“Knowing where guys will be and knowing that someone will be there so you can put it in a place or area,” said Blackhawks defender Alec Martinez about that acclimatization.
Wednesday’s game will determine the season between the Oilers and the Blackhawks. Chicago defeated the host Edmonton 5-2 on October 12 before Oilers responded with a 4-3 victory on January 11.
Chicagos Teuvo Teravainen has three goals and three assists against Edmonton this season. Oilers’ Corey Perry has scored in both meetings.
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