Montreal – Evan Bouchard’s power-play goal in overtime propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a historic 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Saturday, marking the team’s 10th straight win, a new franchise record. Bouchard’s decisive slap shot came off an assist from Connor McDavid, sealing a hard-fought win for the Oilers.
Leon Draisaitl also played a crucial role in the victory, scoring his 20th goal of the season and assisting on Bouchard’s winner. McDavid extended his point streak to 10 games, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Goalie Stuart Skinner made 23 saves, bolstering the Oilers’ defensive efforts.
The Canadiens, despite a strong performance from goalie Sam Montembeault with 39 saves and a power-play goal from Cole Caufield, couldn’t halt the Oilers’ winning streak. Montreal’s defense was particularly effective during regulation, successfully killing four penalties.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch praised the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the contribution from various lines and special teams. The win showcased the Oilers’ ability to secure victories in both high and low-scoring games.
Draisaitl and Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm reflected on the significance of setting a franchise record, especially considering the rich history of the team. The Oilers’ previous best was two nine-game winning streaks, achieved in the 2000-01 and 2022-23 seasons.
Montreal’s coach and players acknowledged the tough outcome but remained positive about their performance. The Canadiens played a mature game, but the power-play opportunity in overtime ultimately tipped the scales in Edmonton’s favor.
The Oilers’ 10-game winning streak is a testament to their resilience and high level of play, placing them among the top teams in the league. For the Canadiens, the narrow loss against a formidable opponent indicates their potential to compete at a high level, despite the outcome.
