DETROIT — The Edmonton Oilers clinched a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, tying their franchise record with a ninth consecutive win. Darnell Nurse’s goal in overtime was the decisive moment in this closely contested match.
Nurse scored his sixth goal of the season by seizing a loose puck and firing it past Alex Lyon. This win places the Oilers (22-15-1) alongside their previous nine-game winning streaks, a significant achievement given the franchise’s historic success.
Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch reflected on the team’s accomplishment, considering the Oilers’ illustrious past. Goalie Calvin Pickard made 15 saves, contributing to the team’s victory.
Despite Lyon’s impressive 44 saves, the Red Wings (20-16-5) couldn’t extend their three-game winning streak. Olli Maatta tied the game late in the third period, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for Detroit.
Andrew Copp opened the scoring for Detroit in the third period, ending his 26-game goal drought. However, Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman responded for the Oilers, with McDavid demonstrating his exceptional skill and Hyman notching his 26th goal of the season.
Detroit coach Derek Lalonde highlighted his team’s missed opportunities, noting several shots that hit the post or crossbar. McDavid’s equalizing goal was particularly praised for both his skill and intelligence on the play.
The Oilers’ Evander Kane had a goal disallowed in the final seconds of regulation, leading to the overtime where Nurse sealed the win. Edmonton’s remarkable turnaround this season, going from a 5-12-1 start to their current streak, underscores their resilience and determination.
In player milestones, McDavid tied Glenn Anderson for fourth in Oilers history with his 906th point. McDavid, who turns 27 on Saturday, ranks fourth on the NHL scoring list for players 26 and younger. He and Hyman combined for 13 shots on goal, a testament to their offensive impact.
Leon Draisaitl’s face-off efficiency (winning 80 percent) and Lyon’s solid performance since his return from injury also stood out in the game. This victory for the Oilers marks a significant moment in their season, demonstrating their ability to maintain consistency and perform under pressure.
