Bouchard Hurt, Draisaitl With 4 Points as Oilers Beat Wild 7-1

Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers delivered a statement victory Thursday night, dominating the Minnesota Wild 7-1 in St. Paul. It was their fourth consecutive win and seventh in the last eight games. The Oilers got off to a strong start and didn’t let up. The Wild were missing some key pieces on their blue line, and Edmonton took advantage.

The Oilers were relentless, driving the net and cycling the puck in the offensive zone. There was nothing the Wild could do, and Leon Draisaitl was absolutely dominant.

Here are the key takeaways from the game:

Draisaitl in Beast Mode

Leon Draisaitl was unstoppable, notching four points (1-3-4) and recording his 27th career four-point game. His physicality and offensive dominance set the tone, as he bullied Wild players and drove the Oilers’ attack. With performances like this, Draisaitl continues to prove why he’s among the NHL’s elite.

He decided he was going to be the best player in the world on Thursday night. Connor McDavid was good, but Draisaitl was unbelievable. He was moving well, skating hard, and catching breaks like the one he got on his second goal.

Bouchard Injury a Concern

The game wasn’t without its setbacks. Late in the third period, Evan Bouchard left in visible discomfort following a questionable hit by Ryan Hartman. Post-game, head coach Kris Knoblauch shared there was no immediate update but hinted at concern for a potential knee issue. Bouchard’s health will be a key storyline moving forward.

Ty Emberson Steps Up

Ty Emberson had an impressive night, recording an assist and showcasing his toughness in a fight with Jakub Lauko. He’s steadily gaining confidence, earning time on the penalty kill, and proving he’s willing to do whatever it takes to contribute.

Emberson’s confidence is growing, and he’s become dependable, which is exactly what the Oilers needed in a depth defenseman. He seems to be getting better each game and understanding his role on this Oilers’ roster. After the game, Emberson said he thinks his game is in a good spot.

Calvin Pickard Solid in Net

Calvin Pickard was sharp, stopping 29 of 30 shots. Over his last five games, Pickard boasts a .915 save percentage and a 2.20 GAA, going 4-1-0. His steady play is giving Edmonton confidence in goal.

The Oilers went with Pickard after Stuart Skinner had a solid game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Edmonton could have gone back with Skinner, but they wanted Pickard to get his starts, and it was absolutely the right call.

Not Just Draisaitl, But a Complete Team Effort

The Oilers played with energy, precision, and discipline. Their special teams were far superior, and every player contributed. The crisp passing, strong puck movement, and relentless effort showed just how well-rounded this team is when firing on all cylinders.

Edmonton is red-hot right now, but Bouchard’s status is a big concern as they look to keep the momentum rolling.

Was this article helpful?

Yes