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Instant Reaction: Oilers extend winning streak to three with win over Kraken
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Photo credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Jan 5, 2025, 00:45 ESTUpdated: Jan 5, 2025, 00:56 EST
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After two tough games following the Christmas break, the Edmonton Oilers are back.
On Saturday evening, the Oilers started a four-game road trip, defeating the Seattle Kraken 4-2 to move their 24-12-3 to keep them equal in points with the Los Angeles Kings.
Less than a minute into the game, Leon Draisaitl showed he’s more than just a scorer, as he found Vasily Podkolzin on the weak side of a three-on-two. Podkolzin made no mistake, one-timing it into the back of the net for his fourth of the season.
Fourth-line Jeff Skinner scored his seventh of the season just over five minutes into the game, making a sweet move on the breakaway and beating Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer for the 2-0 lead. The Oilers took the lead into the first intermission.
With about eight minutes left in the second period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his 10th of the season, receiving the puck in the slot and beating Grubauer’s glove-side to give the Oilers a monstrous 3-0 lead.
However, the Kraken showed some fight. About four minutes later at the end of the Oilers’ power play, the Kraken had a two-on-one, with Chandler Stephenson deciding to hold the puck and beating Calvin Pickard’s blocker side.
About seven and a half minutes in the final frame, Jaden Schwartz made it a one-goal lead after Pickard allowed a juicy rebound, making no mistake in making the Oilers sweat. Unfortunately for the Kraken, Draisaitl iced the game with an empty net goal.

Takeaways…

Leads have been an issue for the Oilers since Christmas break. They had two separate leads against the Los Angeles Kings last Saturday and blew a 3-1 lead against the Anaheim Ducks in an embarrassing loss the following day. While they were able to put the Utah Hockey Club to rest, the Oilers blew another lead on Friday against the Ducks but were able to win thanks to a late Leon Draisaitl goal. It’s something they’ll need to clean up heading into the home stretch of the season.
Draisaitl extended his point streak to 14 games, tying his career-high point streak. He picked up an assist on Vasily Podkolzin’s early goal. Moreover, he scored his league-leading 29th goal of the season as he’s running away with the Rocket Richard Trophy lead. During his point streak, he has 12 goals and 27 points and it’s hard to argue against the fact he’s been the team’s MVP and arguably the league’s MVP.
Jeff Skinner has played well since being scratched, picking up an assist on Friday and his seventh goal of the season.  The winger even got some time alongside Draisaitl and Connor McDavid in the third period during even-strength action. Speaking of McDavid, he was held off the score sheet for the second consecutive game.
The Oilers continue their road trip, heading to Boston on Tuesday to take on the Bruins for the second time this season. The last time they played on Dec. 19, the Oilers overcame a 2-0 lead and won 3-2 in overtime. After that, they head to Pittsburgh on Thursday and Chicago on Saturday before a game at home against the Los Angeles Kings.
If you enjoy my content, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.

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