We call this a four-point victory.
The Oilers defeated the Golden Knights 4-0 and put seven points between themselves and Vegas in the standings.
Connor McDavid and Leon Drysight were excluded from the protocol, but Edmonton found insults from some unlikely sources. Chris Russell scored his first goal in nearly three years to open the scoring, Cody Sessie and Warren Voegel scored early in the third period to increase the lead, and then Ryan Nugent-Hopkins deflected the match with a short hand.
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Mike Smith was the star of the game as he stopped all 39 shots fired by the Golden Knights at him. It was his second suspension of the season and his second consecutive suspension, as Smith became only the sixth goalkeeper to give consecutive breaks after his 40th birthday.
The gray beard certainly finds its place at the right moment. In his last five outings, Smith has posted 0.976 percent rescue.
Edmonton’s defense also deserves some credit for Saturday’s victory. While Oilers and Golden Knights were close to the moment of the strike, Edmonton was well ahead of Vegas in terms of risk chances, leading 13 to 8. Not infrequently, the Golden Knights had first chances, but when they did, Smith was there.
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“You want to go to a high level and play your best hockey. I’m a big supporter that it’s not a switch that you just click and turn off whenever you want. The game is too difficult, the victory is too difficult.
“I really worked hard to get him back on track, and I’ve been playing solid hockey for the last month or so,” Smith said. “At this time of season, you want to be at the top of your game and be a great reason to focus on the playoffs and playoffs and play your best games to give the team the best chance of winning. ”
Mike Smith for his hot game lately.
“Connor drove the bus. Whether it’s pointless or not tonight, the way it works away from the puck. … I don’t think he gets enough credit for how really dedicated he is to the defensive side of the puck and his level of battle, the level of the race.
When you see your captain – who is over 100 points (and first in) in the points race – compete like him, I think that doesn’t give you any excuse other than jumping and playing the way he is. “It was impressive to watch.”
“Mike Smith, for Connor McDavid.”
“They didn’t have a point today, but they were the two happiest guys on the bench when the clock was ticking – they were moving to win.”
Jay Woodcroft, for Connor McDavid and Leon Drysight.
Less than 48 hours after scoring six goals against division leader Calgary Flames, the Golden Knights were knocked out of the Oilers 4-0 on Saturday in Edmonton.
The games were a stunning match not only in the Vegas offensive, but also in the chances that the Golden Knights managed to generate overall. Edmonton is not known for his defensive structure, ranking in the lower half of the NHL for goals conceded, but the Oilers played disciplined hockey on Saturday to eliminate the chances of a quick attack on Vegas, and the Golden Knights had no answer.
The Golden Knights were successful in attack in the previous match, bringing the puck quickly into the area and heading straight for the net. In the last few seasons, Vegas has proved to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league in transition, and this raised the issue against the talented Flames on Thursday. The problem is that the Golden Knights seem to live and die through a transient disorder, which can be a problem at the end of the season and even more so in the playoffs. “
– Jesse Granger, The Athletic
- Chris Russell’s goal, which opened the scoring (and proved to be the winner of the game), was his first since March 17, 2019. His last goal was also against the Golden Knights and was assisted by Sam Gagner and Dzhujhar Haira.
Oilers’ goal was scored by defender Chris Russell, assisted by Zach Cassian and Ryan McLeod
This was the first goal of the defender for the season and the first since 2019 !!! pic.twitter.com/CmnugMTl30
– Edmonton Oilers Brasil 🇧🇷 (44-26-6) (@EDMOilersBR) April 16, 2022
- Mike Smith recorded his second elimination in so many games on Saturday against Vegas and became only the sixth goalkeeper over the age of 40 to record consecutive exceptions in NHL history. Others who do so include Dwayne Rollson, Dominic Hasek (x2), Martin Broder, Johnny Bower (x2) and George Hainsworth. Suddenly, Smith’s saving rate for the season was a very respectable 0.911.
- It’s hard to imagine that the Golden Knights will catch the Oilers in the standings, as Edmonton is seven points from Vegas and both teams have six more games. The LA Kings are four points behind the Oilers in the standings and have five games left this season.
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