Oilers 6, Jets 2: McDavid Leads Winnipeg Beatdown
The Edmonton Oilers didn’t waste a second easing into this one. They dropped four goals in the first period on the Winnipeg Jets and rode that early surge to a 6–2 win at Rogers Place. The building was buzzing before the game even hit the ten-minute mark, and you could sense a team that had started to find its stride again. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard each scored a goal and added an assist, while Connor McDavid added two helpers in a night where everything seemed to fall into place.
For the Oilers, that opening 20 minutes was as sharp a period as they’ve played this year. They used quick puck movement, clean layers defensively, and waves of rush chances. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins kicked things off at 3:00, Draisaitl finished a breakaway moments later, and Matt Savoie and Bouchard piled on to make it 4–0 before Winnipeg could get its bearings. The game wasn’t over, but it felt like the Oilers had written the script.
And anchoring it all was Stuart Skinner, who, even after all the criticism earlier this season, continues to settle into his groove. He didn’t face heavy volume early, but when the Jets pressed later, he was where he needed to be. For a team trying to rebuild some swagger, nights like this matter.
Key Point One: The Oilers’ First Period Was Pure Domination
Four goals, a 16–5 shot advantage, and every Oilers line buzzing. Edmonton didn’t just jump on a tired Jets team—they executed with purpose. The early push won the game before Winnipeg found its legs.
Key Point Two: Goalie Stuart Skinner’s Confidence Is Rising
Stuart Skinner has now allowed only three goals on 71 shots over his past three starts. When the team defends the middle and limits chaos, he looks calm and in control. Head coach Kris Knoblauch’s structure is starting to stick.
Key Point Three: Evan Bouchard Is Driving the Offense
Evan Bouchard continues to look like a force from the blue line. His power-play goal was textbook (for him). It was an open ice, a clean one-timer, and the puck was in the net while Eric Comrie was scrambling. His chemistry with Leon Draisaitl is becoming one of Edmonton’s most reliable machines.
Final Thoughts from the Jets Perspective
From the Winnipeg Jets’ angle, this one unraveled quickly. Playing the second half of a back-to-back with travel didn’t help, but the bigger problem was readiness. Scott Arniel said the team wasn’t mentally or physically there in the first ten minutes, and the Oilers punished every hesitation. Eric Comrie was left exposed, and by the time Thomas Milic entered, the damage was already well established.
There were pockets of push from Winnipeg. Gabriel Vilardi and Cole Koepke each scored, and Mark Scheifele kept his point streak alive. Still, every surge felt like it came far too late. The Jets had a 36–9 edge in hits, but that only underscored how often they were chasing.
For Winnipeg, it’s a reminder of the league’s pace and ruthlessness, especially during a compressed schedule. Show up late, even by a few shifts, and the night can get away from you.