The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Monday night at the United Center, marking their sixth straight win in Chicago. The Oilers showcased a strong performance, led by Evan Bouchard's three-point night and Connor Ingram's 29-save effort. Here are four takeaways from the game:
1. Bouchard's Dominance
Evan Bouchard had a standout game, recording two goals and an assist. His first goal, a bank shot off Blackhawks goalie Spencer Knight from behind the net just 16 seconds into the second period, proved to be the game-winner. Bouchard also added an empty-net goal late in the third period. His performance extended his point streak to five games.
2. McDavid's Point Streak Continues
Connor McDavid extended his career-best point streak to 19 games with two assists. He now has 19 goals and 25 assists during this run, tying Wayne Gretzky's 1986-87 mark for the seventh-longest point streak in Oilers franchise history. McDavid's playmaking ability was on full display, contributing to Edmonton's offensive success.
3. Ingram's Strong Performance in Net
Connor Ingram delivered a stellar performance in goal, stopping 29 of 30 shots. He was particularly sharp in the third period, denying the Blackhawks' comeback attempts after Tyler Bertuzzi scored to cut the lead to 2-1. Ingram's confidence is growing with each start, as he stated, "It's starting to feel more normal every time I get out there". His performance comes at a crucial time, with Tristan Jarry's return from injury creating a potential goalie dilemma for the Oilers.
4. Blackhawks' Struggles and Missed Opportunities
The Blackhawks, playing without Connor Bedard due to illness, struggled to generate consistent offense. Tyler Bertuzzi scored the team's lone goal, but it wasn't enough to spark a comeback. Spencer Knight made 33 saves in his return from illness, but the Oilers' offensive pressure proved too much to handle. Additionally, Teuvo Teravainen left the game after the first period with an upper-body injury, further depleting the Blackhawks' lineup.
