The Edmonton Oilers secured a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals on Saturday night at Rogers Arena. The game was a back-and-forth affair, featuring multiple lead changes and a dramatic finish. Here are five key takeaways from the Oilers' narrow win:

1. Bouchard's Historic Performance: Evan Bouchard was the undeniable star of the game, recording his first NHL hat trick and adding three assists for a remarkable six-point night. In his 400th NHL game, Bouchard was involved in every one of Edmonton's goals, including a crucial play to keep the puck in the offensive zone that led to the game-tying goal in the final minute of regulation. His performance places him in elite company, becoming only the fourth defenseman in NHL history to achieve at least three goals and three assists in a single game. McDavid called it "as good a game as I've seen from a defenceman".

2. McDavid's Clutch Performance: Connor McDavid continued his dominant season with two goals and three assists, including the game-winning goal 47 seconds into overtime. McDavid's breakaway goal in overtime sealed the victory for the Oilers after a wild game. He showcased his world-class talent, leaving his mark on the game at a crucial moment.

3. A Rollercoaster of Leads: The game was a constant exchange of leads, with neither team able to maintain control for long. The Capitals held a 3-2 lead heading into the third period, but the Oilers quickly responded to tie the game. The teams then traded goals throughout the third, with the Capitals regaining the lead multiple times, only to see the Oilers answer. The Capitals surrendered three different leads to the Oilers in the third period. This constant shifting of momentum made for a highly entertaining, albeit nerve-wracking, contest for fans of both teams.

4. Late-Game Heroics: With the Capitals leading by one goal in the final minute of the third period, the Oilers pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Zach Hyman scored with just 31.7 seconds remaining to tie the game and force overtime. Bouchard made a diving play at the offensive blueline to keep the puck in the zone, which ultimately set up Hyman's tying goal.

5. Capitals' Resilient Effort, Ultimately Falls Short: Despite the loss, the Capitals displayed a strong effort, battling back from an early deficit and trading blows with the high-powered Oilers. Coach Spencer Carbery praised his team's fight, especially considering they were playing the second game of a back-to-back after arriving in Edmonton at 4 a.m.. However, the Capitals' inability to maintain leads and a costly penalty against the Oilers' top-ranked power play ultimately contributed to their defeat. The team also lost Rasmus Sandin to a lower-body injury, leaving them with only five defensemen for a significant portion of the game.