The Edmonton Oilers appear to be rediscovering their rhythm at the perfect time. A 3-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday extended their winning streak to five games and pushed them back to the top of the Pacific Division standings.
As the team surges, captain Connor McDavid made it clear that goaltending and the blue line have played a major role in the turnaround.
Connor McDavid Credits Goaltending for 5-Win Surge
After a scoreless opening period, Adam Henrique broke the deadlock against Chicago early in the second to give Edmonton a 1-0 lead. Matt Savoie added a power-play goal later in the period, finishing a feed from McDavid, whose assist extended his point streak to six games.
Nick Lardis pulled one back in the third off a rebound from Connor Bedard’s point shot, but Vasily Podkolzin sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
Behind the offense, Tristan Jarry stopped 17 shots to earn the victory, continuing a stretch of solid play between the pipes. Connor Ingram has also been sharp, allowing just five goals across his last three appearances. The improved play in net, combined with a stronger penalty kill, has helped Edmonton grind out tight wins during the streak.
“The goalies have been playing really well. Kill’s been good. When you’re not giving up one on the kill every night, you give yourself a chance to put some low numbers on the board. And the goalies have played really well,” McDavid said.
The Oilers have now killed off 11 consecutive penalties in their last five games, another sign that their defensive structure is tightening as the postseason approaches.
When asked about the importance of finishing first in the division, McDavid emphasized that simply clinching a playoff berth remains the priority.
“I think obviously just putting the X beside our name is the most important thing. Just getting in, that’s our main focus. Where we are seated, not too concerned about it. We can start a series on the road. We can start the series at home. Pretty comfortable either way. But just got to get in,” McDavid said.
With six games remaining in the regular season, Edmonton is focused on maintaining momentum heading into the playoffs.
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Their next test for the Oilers comes against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, another opportunity to extend their winning streak and continue tightening their game before the postseason begins.
