The Edmonton Oilers earned a 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night. Goaltender Connor Ingram stopped 24 of 26 shots and helped the team secure the result. Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised the goalie for staying calm under pressure.
Speaking to the NHL media after the game, Knoblauch said Ingram looked composed throughout the game. Vegas created several chances, but the goalie controlled the crease and made key saves.
“Yeah, he was great, just composed,” Knoblauch said. “Unfortunately, we give up the goal late in the third period. It would have been nice for him just to give up the one,
“And the one he did give up before that wasn’t an easy one. It was a deflection right in front of him, but yeah, we want – yeah, that was good goaltending.”
The Oilers broke the game open with three goals in the third period. Vasily Podkolzin, Leon Draisaitl, and Kasperi Kapanen all scored during the period. Trent Frederic added another goal earlier in the game.
Oilers’ Connor McDavid recorded two assists, taking his season total to 108 points.
The win improved Ingram’s record to 9-6-1 this season. He now has a 2.78 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage across 18 appearances. It also marked the third time he posted back-to-back wins this season.
Ingram still seeks more consistency from game to game. However, his recent results have been better than those of Tristan Jarry. Because of that, the Oilers may continue using both goalies in a shared role.
Also read: “Stop Wasting McDavid’s Career”: Oilers Management Faces Backlash After 6-3 Loss to Hurricanes
Oilers’ playoff chances improved with win over Golden Knights
With the win, Edmonton improved to 31-25-8 and stayed third in the Pacific Division with 70 points. The team averages 3.55 goals per game and owns the league’s best power play at 32.8 percent. But defensive play remains an issue, with the team allowing 3.36 goals per game.
“Very important,” Knoblauch said about the win over the Golden Knights. “You know, [earlier we were] not playing as well as we wanted to, not getting the wins or as many wins as we wanted to after the break.
“And going on this road trip very difficult road trip. You’re playing a lot of good teams. Just when you get that first one, just everyone can relax a little bit more and hopefully have a little more confidence.”
Also read: Kris Knoblauch Admits Oilers Need Urgency With Playoffs in Danger
The Oilers will face another tough test on Tuesday night. They travel to play the Colorado Avalanche in their next game.
