Edmonton's top line had a night to forget as the Oilers played in vancouver against the Canucks on CBC's night cap for Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, October 7. Edmonton opened the scoring very early as the Canucks yielded a goal on what was their first shot-against of the season. But after that, it was Vancouver that chased Edmonton's goaltender en route to a 3-2 victory in downtown Vancouver. Edmonton fell to 1-1-0 while Vancouver improved to 1-0-0.
Laurent Brossoit called upon
Cam Talbot played well to open the season against Calgary a few nights ago.
However, the Edmonton netminder didn't last long in his second start on Saturday night in Vancouver. He allowed three goals on seven shots and that lead to an exit with only 20:32 of accrued playing time. Laurent Brossoit (interview below), an inexperienced player at the NHL level, relieved Talbot in the 2nd period. The back-up proved that he belonged as he saved 19 of 19 nights to keep Edmonton in the game.
Edmonton's first line for offense did not really deliver on Saturday night. There were opportunities but neither Connor McDavid nor Leon Draisaitl scored or tallied a point in the game. The offense for Edmonton came from Kris Russell and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The latter scored his first of the season on the powerplay with Maroon and Russell getting the assists.
But Bo Horvat's goal early in the second period would be the one that would hold up for the game-winner.
Vancouver impressive in season debut
Not much can be read into a single game given the length of the NHL season. However, the game between the Canucks and the Oilers did feature one of the last favorites in the NHL against one of the top favorites in the league.
Certainly, Edmonton will have to lose more consistently before they start seeing raised eyebrows.
Likewise, Vancouver will need to play well over the longer term before they start to convince many that they might be playoff contenders this season. The result on Saturday night was a strong one for Vancouver. They certainly didn't seem porous on defense and that they chased a goaltender that had posted a shutout in his most recent outing is interesting as well.
Edmonton will be back in action as they return home to host the Winnipeg Jets on Monday night. That looks like an easier game on paper as the Jets have suffered two losses this season that both discredit their defense. Vancouver stays home and play on Tuesday night when they host the Ottawa Senators.
