NEW YORK – The Edmonton Oilers mounted a remarkable third-period comeback for a 4-3 victory over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Friday. This win marked the second consecutive game in which the Oilers scored four goals in the final period, demonstrating their late-game resilience and firepower.
Zach Hyman and Evander Kane’s goals just 1:10 apart were pivotal in turning the tide for the Oilers (15-15-1). Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod each added a goal and an assist, contributing to the team’s remarkable comeback. “We kept things simple and seized our momentum,” Foegele said. Goaltender Stuart Skinner made 31 saves, playing a key role in the Oilers’ victory.
The Rangers (22-8-1), despite leading earlier in the game, could not maintain their advantage. Mika Zibanejad scored a goal and provided an assist, and Chris Kreider contributed two assists. Goaltender Jonathan Quick made 24 saves but allowed four goals in the third period, unable to replicate his shutout performance against Edmonton earlier this season.
New York initially took the lead with Blake Wheeler’s goal in the first period, followed by Zibanejad’s second-period contribution. However, Edmonton’s relentless attack in the third period, initiated by Hyman’s tying goal and followed by strikes from Kane, Foegele, and McLeod, shifted the game’s momentum.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette noted the team’s lack of energy. “We needed more drive and better puck management,” he said.
Zibanejad’s late power-play goal and Will Cuylle’s score in the final seconds brought the Rangers close, but the Oilers held on for the win.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch praised the team’s effort, particularly in the third period. “We showed great character and executed our plays when it mattered most,” Knoblauch said.
Notable performances included Connor McDavid’s assist, extending his impressive scoring run to 31 points in 15 games. McLeod continued his scoring form with three goals in his last two games, after only scoring twice in his first 29 this season.
The Rangers’ power-play proficiency remained a highlight, as they extended their streak of scoring with a man-advantage to six games. Their 31 power-play goals this season rank them second in the NHL.
Despite the loss, the Rangers showed their ability to create scoring opportunities, but Edmonton’s third-period comeback underlined their capacity to overturn deficits. Both teams will look to build on the lessons from this closely contested matchup.
