Mattias Ekholm’s standout performance propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Monday night, securing their third consecutive win and reclaiming the top spot in the Pacific Division.
Ekholm contributed a goal and an assist, with his efforts complemented by Mattias Janmark, Connor McDavid, and Corey Perry, who also found the net for Edmonton (32-15-3).
The victory marked the Oilers’ 11th win in their last 14 games, moving them one point ahead of the idle Vegas Golden Knights in the standings.
Seattle (22-26-3) took an early lead in the first period with goals from Eeli Tolvanen and Vince Dunn, heading into the second with a 2-1 advantage.
However, Edmonton responded decisively. Janmark levelled the score late in the opening frame, while Perry’s breakaway goal, set up by an impressive Darnell Nurse pass, gave the Oilers a 3-2 lead midway through the second period.
Connor McDavid, returning from a three-game suspension, added a third-period goal to seal the win. McDavid, who has historically excelled against Seattle, now has 19 points in 12 games against the Kraken.
Calvin Pickard made 26 saves for Edmonton, stepping in as starting goaltender Stuart Skinner missed the game due to the birth of his son. University of Alberta netminder Tyler Palmer served as Pickard’s backup, signed on an amateur tryout earlier that day.
For Seattle, Joey Daccord recorded 27 saves but couldn’t withstand Edmonton’s offensive pressure. The Kraken have now lost two of their last three games and remain winless in seven straight meetings against the Oilers.
Leading scorer Jared McCann was held scoreless, extending his goalless streak against netminders to 15 games.
The Oilers next face the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, while the Kraken will look to regroup against the Arizona Coyotes, aiming to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ