On Thursday night, Mike Babcock deployed a lineup filled predominantly with AHL players for the Edmonton Oilers, yet the team managed to secure a 2-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks, who featured their top players. Despite being at a talent disadvantage, the Oilers outworked and outpaced their more seasoned opponent during the game, boosting Babcock’s preseason record to 3-0.
Babcock remarked, “Initially, we were short-handed and not as talented, but our players showed determination,” and he reflected that when starting with such a lineup, outcomes can vary. In this instance, it was encouraging to survive the first five minutes, elevate their intensity, and ultimately come out with the win.
The Oilers have emphasized playing with pace during practices and on-ice sessions, and it’s evident they are beginning to incorporate this approach into their gameplay.
Regarding the goaltending, Tristan Jarry had a strong showing, making 25 saves on 26 shots and moving smoothly across the crease. He credited the young players for their effort, saying, “I thought the kids played great; they worked their butts off. Everything we’ve been practicing, they implemented tonight.” When asked about playing behind a team making that level of effort, Jarry responded, “It’s awesome to see that dedication from back there.”
With Jarry, Max Jones, Spencer Stastney, and Ty Emberson being the only regular NHL veterans in the lineup, the group still demonstrated a solid defensive identity—an encouraging sign even in a preseason game. The Oilers’ disorganized puck pressure, especially on the penalty kill, was aggressive, attacking puck carriers from various angles—a style they prefer, even though it carries risks. The defensive lapse that led to a goal against highlighted areas for improvement, but overall, the young players executed the coach’s strategies well, and veteran players will need to sustain this effort in upcoming games.
Isaac Howard was the standout performer of the night. After a quiet start to training camp while fighting for a top-six spot, Howard opened the scoring by pouncing on a bouncing puck and also provided an assist. His play noticeably improved afterward—playing more confidently over the final half of the game, as if a burden had been lifted. Howard’s opportunity to play in all preseason games is due to the team’s interest in giving him consistent playing time to make a strong case for a roster spot. Babcock noted earlier that they liked Howard’s preparation but wanted to see how he handled puck possession in game situations.
Vancouver’s lineup struggled to generate meaningful offense, even when pushing for an equalizer in the third period. Edmonton’s counterattacks created more dangerous chances down the stretch, indicating Vancouver’s lineup may face challenges this season. Most players from Thursday’s game are unlikely to be part of the opening roster, with Babcock emphasizing that, “No one is just handing you a job in this league,” though he was pleased with their effort. The team will now trim their roster to a fully NHL-ready lineup and prepare for Saturday’s final exhibition game.
Fan Take: This game highlights how coaching development and player perseverance can shine in preseason, giving fans hope for a team that’s willing to work hard and adapt. It signals a promising future for the Oilers’ depth and could herald a more competitive season ahead.
This news matters because it offers insight into how NHL teams are developing their rosters and testing their younger players before the season begins. It underscores the importance of effort and teamwork, which often shape a team’s success in the long run.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
