Sizzling Evan Bouchard, Oilers turn back Devils

Defenseman Evan Bouchard scored to extend his point streak to 11 games, and Calvin Pickard made 14 of his 26 saves in the third period, as the surging Edmonton Oilers won their seventh straight, 4-1 over the visiting New Jersey Devils on Sunday.

Connor McDavid and Evander Kane each had a goal with an assist, and Derek Ryan also scored for the Oilers, who are 10-3-0 since starting 2-9-1. Bouchard's eighth goal of the season, and 16th point in the past 11 games, made it 2-0 late in the second period — and also helped Edmonton win its seventh in a row at home.

Making his third appearance and second start for Edmonton, Pickard wasn't severely tested through the first two periods. But was up to the task during a third-period push by the Devils, who got a Jesper Bratt goal in the frame, but no more to fall short of recording a 4-0-0 road trip.

Akira Schmid made 26 saves for New Jersey, which lost for jus the second time in eight games.

The Oilers appeared to open the scoring on their first shot at 4:32 into the game. However, Connor Brown's hard-working effort was overturned when New Jersey successfully challenged for goaltender interference by Kane.

Edmonton did eventually get on the board first. With 1:25 remaining in the opening period, Sam Gagner sent a backhand pass from behind the side of the net for Ryan to convert.

After failing on their first two power-play chances of the day, the Oilers finally came through with 5:40 left in the second. Biding his time, Leon Draisaitl pushed the puck to the point for Bouchard to match his 2022-23 goal total.

Edmonton is 11-for-27 on the power play in the past eight games.

McDavid's tap-in goal after Schmid misplayed the puck behind his own net 4:23 into the third made it 3-0.

However, the Devils made things interesting when they quickly answered on Bratt's redirect of Nico Hischier's cross-slot pass some 30 seconds later.

- Field Level Media