The Edmonton Oilers continued their impressive winning streak as they defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 on Tuesday night, securing their 14th consecutive victory. Led by Warren Foegele and Evander Kane, who each recorded a goal and an assist, the Oilers showcased their dominance on home ice.
The Oilers joined an elite group of NHL teams as only the seventh in history to win 14 games in a row. The league record for consecutive wins stands at 17, achieved by the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1992-93 season. Following closely behind is the 2016-17 Blue Jackets, who hold the second-longest winning streak at 16 games.
Despite a slow start in the first two periods, the Oilers found their rhythm in the final frame. 'I think we just all knew if we played our brand of hockey in the third… we liked our chances,' acknowledged Kane. The team capitalized on their opportunities and managed to score three goals in quick succession to secure the victory.
Goaltender Stuart Skinner played a pivotal role in Edmonton's success, making 27 saves and cementing his 11th consecutive win. In doing so, he surpassed Grant Fuhr for the longest single-season winning streak in Oilers history. Skinner expressed his gratitude for breaking such a record, particularly considering Fuhr's status as one of the greatest goalies ever. With an outstanding record of 18-2 in his last 20 games, it is clear that Skinner has been a vital asset to the team's success.
Foegele praised Skinner's performance, crediting him for keeping the Oilers afloat during the first two periods when the team struggled. 'He was rock solid. He has been playing unbelievable,' Foegele stated, acknowledging Skinner's exceptional play in recent months. The Oilers' goaltender has proven to be a stabilizing force for the team, allowing them to maintain a franchise-record streak of 12 games allowing two or fewer goals.
While the Blue Jackets had a promising start to the game, their momentum waned as the contest progressed. Columbus forward Adam Fantilli highlighted their speed and disruptive gameplay, which initially caused trouble for the Oilers. However, the team was unable to maintain their strategy and suffered their fifth loss in the last six games.
Edmonton opened the scoring with a power-play goal in the first period, with Foegele capitalizing on the opportunity. The Blue Jackets quickly responded, tying the game with less than five minutes remaining in the period. However, the Oilers' second-period goal was overturned on a video review due to an offside call.
The third period proved to be decisive for the Oilers, as Kane and Connor McDavid each found the back of the net within minutes of each other. McDavid's goal extended his home point-scoring streak to an impressive 17 games. With just over four minutes left in the game, Dylan Holloway sealed the victory for the Oilers with his second goal of the season.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jackets will face the Calgary Flames on Thursday night, while the Oilers will host the Chicago Blackhawks. As the Oilers' winning streak continues to grow, they are solidifying their position as one of the most dominant teams in the NHL this season.
Overall, the Edmonton Oilers' 14th straight victory highlights their exceptional form and determination. With outstanding performances from key players like Kane and McDavid, along with Skinner's stellar goaltending, the Oilers are becoming a force to be reckoned with as they aim to maintain their winning streak in the coming games.
