The biggest goal of the Oilers’ 2024 postseason was the kind every kid dreams about.

Back in mid-November, Edmonton picked up Kasperi Kapanen off waivers from the St. Louis Blues. It was a depth move, nothing flashy. The Finnish winger started well, putting up five goals and nine points in his first 27 games. But over the next 30? Just four points, a minus-12 rating, and a healthy scratch spot come playoff time.

That is, until Game 4 of the second round against Vegas. On his very first shift, Kapanen made an impact, with three big hits and 14:21 in total ice time. In Game 5, he delivered what turned out to be the biggest goal of the season, not just because it was a beauty, but because of what it meant.

After 60 minutes, neither team had found the back of the net. Overtime was needed for the second time in the series. And just over seven minutes into the extra frame, Kapanen played hero, sending the Oilers to their third Western Conference Final in four years.

Leon Draisaitl dished a soft pass back to Darnell Nurse, who fired it from the point. Chaos ensued in front of the net. Adin Hill was down and out, scrambling to locate the puck. A few wild swings later, it was Kapanen who buried it, sealing the 1-0 win and a 4-1 series victory.

It marked just the 52nd time in NHL history a playoff game went to overtime scoreless, and this one ended a series. That alone made it special. But for Kapanen, clutch goals are nothing new.

Back in 2016, he scored the golden goal for Finland to win the World Juniors. In 2017, he potted an OT winner in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round with the Maple Leafs. He tied a playoff game late for Pittsburgh in 2020 and added an OT assist in 2022.

Now, he’s looking to add more moments in blue and orange. Before free agency even opened, Kapanen inked a one-year deal at a $1.3 million cap hit to stay with the Oilers.