3 Takeaways From Oilers’ 3-1 Win Over Kraken

After allowing 13 goals in their first two games, the Edmonton Oilers responded with a tight-checking 3-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday night (Oct. 3). They improved their record to 2-0-1 on the young season.

Owen Michaels, Leon Draisaitl, and Connor McDavid scored for Edmonton, while Bobby McMann was Seattle’s only goalscorer. The Kraken’s struggles at Rogers Place continued as they haven’t won a game in Edmonton since Jan. 2, 2023. The Oilers are 9-1-0 against the Kraken on home ice since they entered the league. Here are three takeaways from this early-season win.

Levi Bounced Back

Let’s start with the goaltending, because that’s always the main topic in Oil Country. Devon Levi struggled in his first start, allowing seven goals on 22 shots in a crazy 9-7 win. Despite that poor performance, head coach Mike Babcock went right back to him. That decision paid dividends as he responded with a great bounce-back game. The 24-year-old netminder wasn’t particularly busy, stopping 19 of 20 shots for a .950 save percentage (SV%). It’s great to see Babcock having confidence in his young goaltender.

“I thought he was fantastic. He made a couple of major big-time stops and had great timing to keep us in it. He was unreal tonight,” Draisaitl stated postgame about Levi’s performance.

His biggest stop came in the third period, when he robbed Jordan Eberle with the glove after going cross-crease with a sprawling save. At that point, the game was 1-1. The Oilers have been clamouring for that big save in a key moment, and they finally got it. If he doesn’t make that save, the Oilers are chasing the game for the final 10 minutes.

Levi’s athleticism was on full display. He’s not a big goaltender at only 6-foot and 187 pounds, but he’s quick and has great lateral movement. He tracked pucks extremely well and didn’t allow juicy rebounds like in his previous start. He was much better, and with Jarry’s struggles, the number one job is his to take.

Howard Needs An Opportunity

The Oilers are missing key players in their top six, including Matt Savoie, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman. Yet somehow, Isaac Howard still can’t find himself elevated up the lineup. Once again, he was on the fourth line alongside Trent Frederic and Josh Samanski. That line didn’t play a ton. Howard registered one shot and one hit in 8:22 of ice time.

Howard has top-six potential and needs puck touches. He has a great shot, but hasn’t been able to show it. He had a great opportunity last game after receiving Draisaitl’s drop pass, before ripping a shot on net. The 22-year-old needs to play with skilled players who will get him the puck in scoring positions. No disrespect to his linemates, but Frederic and Samanski aren’t the right fit. He’s playing in a role that doesn’t suit him.