The Oilers beat the Golden Knights 4-0 and, in the process, put seven points between them and Vegas in the standings. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were left out, but Edmonton was attacked by some incredible sources. Kris Russell scored his first goal in almost three years to open the scoring, Cody Ceci and Warren Foegele scored early in the third period to take the lead and then Ryan Nugent-Hopkins left the game short. goal. Advertising – Continue reading below Mike Smith was the protagonist of the fight, as he stopped all 39 shots thrown at him by the Golden Knights. It was his second shutout of the season and his second in a row, as Smith became only the sixth goalkeeper to make a back-to-back shutout since his 40th birthday. The gray-haired man definitely finds his groove at the right time. In its last five outings, Smith posted a savings rate of 0.976. Edmonton’s team defense also deserves some praise for Saturday’s victory. While the Oilers and Golden Knights were close to the shot clock, Edmonton was well ahead of Vegas in terms of high-risk odds, leading 13-8. It was not often that the Golden Knights had top chances, but when they did, Smith was there. Advertising – Continue reading below “You want to go high and play your best hockey. I’m a huge advocate that it is not a switch that you just turn on and off when you want. The game is very difficult, winning is very difficult. “I was really working hard to get it back on track and I’ve been playing some good hockey for the last month or so,” Smith said. “Right now in the season, you want to be at the top of your game and be a big reason why you go to the playoffs and the playoffs and play your best games to give the team the best chance to win. ” Mike Smith, in his last hot game. “Conor was driving the bus. Whether it’s pointless or not tonight, the way it works away from the bar. … I do not think he has enough credit for how really devoted he is to the elf’s defensive side and his level of combat, the level of competition. When you see your boss – who has over 100 points (and first) in his scoring race – playing as he is, I think he gives you no excuse but to jump and play as he is. It was impressive to watch. “ – Mike Smith, for Connor McDavid “They did not have a point today, but they were the two happiest guys on the bench when the clock was ticking; they are leading to victory.” Jay Woodcroft, for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. “Less than 48 hours away from a six-goal performance against the top Calgary Flames, the Golden Knights were eliminated by the Oilers, 4-0, on Saturday in Edmonton. The games were an amazing confrontation, not only in Vegas’ offensive performance but also in the chances that the Golden Knights could create in general. Edmonton is not known for its defensive structure, as it ranks in the lower half of the NHL in allowed goals, but the Oilers played disciplined hockey on Saturday to eliminate the chances of Vegas rushing and the Golden Knights had no answer. The Golden Knights were aggressively successful in the previous game by moving the elf into the belt with speed and directing it straight into the net. In the last many seasons, Vegas has proved to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league in transition, and forced the issue against the talented Flames on Thursday. “The point is that the Golden Knights seem to be living and dying from a transitional attack, which can be an issue at the end of the season and even more so in the playoffs.” – Jesse Granger, The Athletic
Kris Russell’s goal that opened the scoring (and finished as the winner) was his first since March 17, 2019. His last goal also came against the Golden Knights and was assisted by Sam Gagner and Jujhar Khaira.
The Oilers’ goal was scored by defender Kris Russell, assisted by Zack Kassian and Ryan McLeod. It was the first goal of the defender in 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 shutout in as many games on Saturday against Vegas and became just the sixth goalkeeper over 40 to record a back-to-back shutout in NHL history. Others who do so are Dwayne Roloson, Dominik Hasek (x2), Martin Brodeur, Johnny Bower (x2) and George Hainsworth. Suddenly, Smith’s savings rate for the season is at the very respectable 0.911. It’s hard to imagine the Golden Knights catching the Oilers in the standings right now, as Edmonton is seven points behind Vegas and both teams have six games left. The LA Kings are four points behind the Oilers in the standings and have five more games to play this season.
