Edmonton Oilers Secure Thrilling Win Over Canadiens, Start Strong

The Edmonton Oilers achieved a thrilling victory against the Montreal Canadiens on October 23, 2025, winning 6-5 in a game marked by a late comeback. This triumph reflects the Oilers’ best start to a season in three years, with a current record of 4-3-1. The team’s resilience was on full display as they fought back after trailing in the third period.

Vasily Podkolzin emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal with just over a minute remaining. He also contributed an assist, helping the Oilers secure their second consecutive victory. Other contributors included David Tomasek, Adam Henrique, Andrew Mangiapane, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, all of whom found the back of the net in this high-scoring affair.

Despite their strong start, players acknowledged that improvements are necessary. Darnell Nurse emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and performance, stating, “We’re sitting here at 4-3-1… we know we have to be a lot better.” This sentiment echoed throughout the locker room, highlighting the players’ awareness of the challenges ahead.

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The game featured a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. The Oilers initially took a 3-1 lead midway through the second period, but the Canadiens responded aggressively. Montreal scored three quick goals in less than two minutes, including two from Cole Caufield, flipping the score to 5-3 in their favor.

Edmonton regrouped, scoring two power-play goals in just under a minute. Podkolzin’s backhand shot, which he executed while falling, secured the win and showcased the Oilers’ determination and skill. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Podkolzin remarked, “Down by two for the Oilers is nothing… finding a way to get two points was good.”

The Oilers capitalized on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Josh Anderson, which came immediately after Draisaitl scored on the power play. The controversial call drew ire from the Canadiens, with Caufield commenting, “I think the refs kind of took over the game there.”

Looking Ahead: Areas for Improvement

Despite the victory, the Oilers’ players recognized that their overall performance did not meet their standards. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins pointed out, “It just wasn’t good enough… for most of the game it was not our standard.” Coach Kris Knoblauch also shared his concerns, noting that the team appeared disorganized for the majority of the match. “We’ve got a lot of things to clean up,” he stated, adding, “We can only get better right now.”

Captain Connor McDavid had a notable performance with three assists, while Tomasek scored his first career NHL goal. At 29 years old, Tomasek has transitioned from the Swedish Elite League, where he led in points last season with 57 in 47 games, and his contribution adds depth to the Oilers’ roster.

As they navigate the early part of the season, the Edmonton Oilers are focused on building momentum and refining their game. With a strong foundation laid in these initial games, the team aims to enhance their performance as they strive for success in the 2025 season.