Oilers blow lead before edging Canadiens in OT

Field Level Media|published: Wed 20th March, 24:01 2024

Mar 16, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) tries to carry the puck around Montreal Canadiens defensemen Kaiden Guhle (21) during the first period at Rogers Place. credits: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Leon Draisaitl scored the winning goal on an overtime power play as the host Edmonton Oilers recovered from a blown lead to earn a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.

Connor McDavid collected a goal and an assist, Adam Henrique added a goal and Mattias Ekholm collected two assists for the Oilers (41-21-4, 86 points). Edmonton goaltender Calvin Pickard made 23 saves.

Nick Suzuki and Kaiden Guhle replied for the Canadiens, who erased a two-goal, third-period deficit to earn the extra point. Goalie Sam Montembeault stopped 29 shots for Montreal (25-31-12, 62 points), which has only one win in six games (1-2-3).

With Edmonton on a power play due to a Joel Armia high-sticking double minor taken in the final seconds of regulation, Draisaitl unloaded a one-timer from the bottom of the right circle at the 3:18 mark of the extra period for his 34th goal of the season.

Edmonton, which continues to push for top spot in the Pacific Division, improved to 8-1-2 in its past 11 games. However, this victory ended up closer than it appeared to be headed after the first two periods.

McDavid opened the scoring at 9:20 of the first period with his 26th goal of the season. Ekholm forced a turnover in the offensive zone, and McDavid, upon grabbing the loose puck, weaved thought the defense before tucking a forehand into the net.

Henrique doubled the lead with his 19th goal of the season and first since being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks just before the trade deadline. Henrique set up shop at the doorstep and was on the spot for the rebound at 14:55 of the second period.

Suzuki put the visitors on the board 32 seconds into the third period with his 27th goal of the campaign. The Canadiens captain crashed to the net and the puck banked off him and a defender before going into the net to make it a one-goal game.

Guhle tied the clash at 4:43 of the third period. Upon being sprung on a partial breakaway, Guhle snapped a shot inside the far post for his fifth of the season.

—Field Level Media