I know we’re still a few weeks away from the playoffs starting, but it’s hard not to think that last night’s game between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena was pretty damned close. There were fireworks. There were scrums. There was everything you’d expect from a massive game between two teams that really do not like each other.

We came down to Vegas with a group of wonderful Nation Citizens for last night’s game, and while we all knew it was an important one, I don’t know that we could have asked for anything more entertaining than what we got. From the moment we walked into T-Mobile Arena, you could see plenty of orange and blue jerseys scattered around the rink. Oilers fans travel incredibly well, and there were a bunch of them in the barn. That set the tone for a spicy atmosphere before the game had even started. The “Let’s Go Oilers” chants were countered by “Go Knights Go.” There were chirps traded in the crowd, I got booed while standing in line at the bathroom, and it all felt perfect for what was about to unfold on the ice.

Since I was in the building, it can be tough to get a handle on when penalties are called and when fights start because I’m screaming in the moment, but I’m having a healthy chuckle as I looking back at the box score. It only took three minutes for penalties to start showing up on the scoresheet, and it wasn’t long after that when the birthday boy, Connor Murphy, dropped the mitts with Cole Smith just before the midway point of the period. By the end of the first, there was chaos happening all over the place, and it felt as close to a playoff game weeks before the end of the season as you could get. In the end, the Oilers obviously took the two points with Evan Bouchard’s OT winner, but the thing I wanted to start with was how the boys are really starting to look like a team out there. The gel is forming. It’s happening.

Was there a bigger moment in the game than when Zach Hyman got called for tripping Mitch Marner in overtime? Hard to think of one. From where I was sitting, that call landed like a kick to the pills. After watching the boys build and give up three separate one-goal leads, it would have been a disaster to let the two points slip away like that. The Oilers played too well and did too many things right to go down that way. Needless to say, I was deep in my feelings (and my cup). And while those two minutes were incredibly stressful, the boys bent but didn’t break. The three guys out there for the full kill were probably dying, but they got the job done and gave their team another life. Moments later, McDavid wins a draw, and Bouchard rips home the winner.

Even with how nervous I was about losing in overtime, maybe it shouldn’t have been all that surprising that Edmonton got it done. The Oilers’ penalty kill went a perfect 3-for-3 on Thursday night, and that’s a massive green flag on a night when the power play couldn’t cash on either of its two chances. Without the PK executing in those big moments, we’re not talking about sweeping a very important mini road trip. I don’t know if it’s the new guys helping level things up, the system finally clicking, or a mix of both, but the penalty kill looked as sharp in Vegas as it has all year. And honestly, there couldn’t be a better time for it. Here’s hoping they won’t be called upon in such stressful situations on Saturday when Anaheim is in town.

Even though I know plenty of folks will complain that Connor Ingram gave up three goals on 29 shots for an .897 save percentage, I thought he was fantastic. He made some huge saves in all 3.5 periods, and was spectacular on the penalty kill when his team needed a save. Even on Mark Stone’s first goal of the night, Ingram made two spectacular saves before the Vegas captain was able to sink a rebound. On a goal like that, I’m screaming at the skaters to tackle someone more so than get angry that Ingram couldn’t stop the third point-blank chance. The second goal was a clear-cut breakaway. Do you want a save? Sure. Do I understand that a former Selke winner can probably make things happen on a 1-v-1? Also yes.

The point I’m getting at is that Connor Ingram did a whole lot right for the Oilers last night, and he deserves plenty of flowers even if the numbers don’t jump off the page. Not every night is going to be a .930 masterclass, but when you’re making the saves you’re supposed to make and sprinkling in a few big ones at key moments, that’s how you give your team a chance to win. Even so, his line still ended up better than the guy at the other end, and in a game that tight, that’s a massive piece of the puzzle. It wasn’t perfect, but it was steady, it was timely, and it was more than enough to help get the job done.

Edmonton hockey fans — think you and your crew know playoff hockey? Prove it at the Nation Playoff Draft Party on Friday, April 17th at the River Cree Resort & Casino. Build your playoff roster, compete against other teams throughout the postseason, and battle for $2,500 cash and Nation bragging rights. Team entry is $1,000 for groups of 8, which includes dinner and your first bevy. The night will be hosted by Ryder & Lisa from The Sauce and Tyler & Liam from ON Everyday, so expect plenty of energy, competition, and chirps. Spots are limited — sign your team up now at nationgear.ca. All proceeds from the event support KidSport Edmonton, helping ensure local kids can stay in the game.