The Edmonton Oilers ended 3-2 in the preseason with a 3-2 overtime loss against the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks scored two goals from overtime winners of Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Conor Garland, while Kasperi Kapanen and Leon Draisaitl put the lights on the Oilers.
As we prepare for the regular season, this is the senior squad on both sides. Stuart Skinner was originally scheduled to start with Edmonton but was scratched due to illness, leaving Calvin Pickard’s crease. Pickard performed well in this, stopping 24 of 27 to a savings percentage of .889 (SV%). Overall, it’s an interesting game with stars from both teams. These are three gains from pre-season failures.
Vasily Podkolzin Returns to the Lineup
Vasily Podkolzin resumed operations after leaving the team after his father passed away. He returned to Russia to mourn the loss with his family, but he was back and ready to set off. It’s great to see him play his last game before the regular season.
Related: Vasily Podkolzin of the Oilers flew back to Edmonton Tuesday night
The 24-year-old has performed well, which has become the norm for him. He has always been consistent. Whether it’s pre-season or playoffs, his efforts are always there. His game remains the same. The Oilers’ biggest striker dealt a huge blow to Elias Pettersson in the second phase, separating him from the hockey and forcing turnover. He finished the game with one shot and three hits in ice time at 14:22.
Noah Philp should be the fourth-tier center
Noah Philp has a solid training camp that should pay off for his efforts. He surpassed Adam Henrique and Curtis Lazar throughout the preseason and should be the fourth-tier center to start the season. Undrafted products have everything you want in a 4th-line center. He is a 6-foot-3, 198-pound player who can skate and win standoffs, especially in the defensive zone. Plus, he is a coveted right-picture center that the organization desperately needs.
Phelp can do well in this role if the right chance and stable time are given. Head coach Kris Knoblauch can have a fourth line, perform well in defense, and contribute on the offense. However, it all depends on how Knoblauch takes advantage of this line, especially if Philp is on it. The 27-year-old has all the tools to succeed and we saw it in the camp. He should have a chance to prove this in a meaningful game. Last season, he had an NHL experience, played 15 games, recorded 2 assists, and an average of only 9:04 ice time. But if he is on this team, he needs more ice time and is trustworthy in all cases.
The preseason is finally over
Finally, the next game of the Oiler Game will make sense. Although the game is fun, it doesn’t compare to the energy of opening night. Eight preseason games are too many, especially for a team that is eager to start after a long playoff game.
Most of the players on the opening night played, so we watched the potential online combo for the regular season. The highest line was the only confirmation line to start the season, with Draisaitl playing with Connor McDavid and Trent Frederic. But everything else needs debate. The match saw Ryan Nugent Hopkins Center Podkorzin and Andrew Mangiahpan, Phelp focused Henrik and Matt Savay while David Tomasek centered on Kapanin and Isaac Howard. But Knoblauch is known for juggling his own lines, so there is nothing. But it’s nice to see the game featuring the NHL roster.
Starting the 2026-27 season, the NHL will reduce the preseason to four games, which is a good move. This will eliminate fluff, as it is not exciting when the veteran lineup plays the AHL or junior player. Fewer preseasons will provide opportunities to develop chemistry with different teammates and try different combinations to understand what works and doesn’t work. We don’t have to wait until the last preseason to get a glimpse into the look of the opening roster.
The Oilers started the regular season against the Calgary Flames at home on Wednesday, October 8. Hockey writer For all NHL content throughout the season.
