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5 Takeaways From Oilers’ 6-2 Win Over Mammoth

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

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5 Takeaways From Oilers’ 6-2 Win Over Mammoth

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Matt Parks | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 8:45 AM ET

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After losing 4-2 to the Utah Mammoth on home ice, the Edmonton Oilers responded with a dominant 6-2 road win over Utah on Saturday (Oct. 17), concluding the home-and-home series. The Oilers are a perfect 5-0-0 on the road for the first time in franchise history.

The Oilers scored five goals on 17 shots in the first 33 minutes, ultimately chasing goaltender Karel Vejmelka from the net. Former Edmonton Oil Kings netminder Sebastian Cossa replaced him and stopped three of four shots in relief.

Connor McDavid (2), Zach Hyman, Mathieu Joseph, Kasperi Kapanen, and Leon Draisaitl scored for Edmonton, while John Marino and Mikhail Sergachev scored for Utah.

This game was chippy. The game featured slashes behind the play, physicality, and an epic fight. The Mammoth outhit Edmonton 39-24. Utah’s Jack McBain dropped the gloves with Edmonton’s Trent Frederic off the faceoff at 16:18 into the first period. This was a heavyweight tilt. McBain landed some heavy blows early, but Frederic fired back, including some uppercuts. This game had it all, so let’s get into it. Here are five takeaways from this impressive road victory.

Oilers Got Reinforcements

The Oilers got some positive injury news. Hyman, Colton Dach, and Jake Walman were in the lineup after missing the past several games. Hyman hasn’t played since opening night, Dach missed the last four games, and Walman missed the last three. Hyman was an immediate factor. He resumed his net-front presence on the power play and scored his first goal of the season.

Dach was also effective, despite not getting on the scoresheet. He had a great chance in the second period, but couldn’t capitalize. Vejmelka robbed him with the sprawling left-pad save.

Since joining Edmonton, Walman has struggled with injuries and underwhelming play. He made some mistakes, but he wasn’t terrible. He got into shooting lanes and led the team with five blocked shots. These returns provided a much-needed boost, and they made an impact in different ways.

More McDavid Magic

Once again, McDavid was sensational. He recorded his second five-point game of the season, and 16th of his career. He already has 23 points in eight games, five more than Jack Eichel in second. According to Oilers’ play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels, McDavid became the first player in 31 years to record 20 points in the first eight games of the season.

McDavid has become the first player in 31 years (Mario) to notch 20 points in the first eight games of the season.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) October 18, 2026

The Oilers’ captain opened the scoring 40 seconds in. McDavid beat Sergachev on the outside and drove hard to the net before beating Vejmelka with the backhand under the left pad. Then, he capped off the night by stripping Marino at the blueline and scoring blockerside on the breakaway.

Joseph Continues to Impress

Joseph is a spark plug for this forward group. He’s an energy third-liner and finally got rewarded on the scoresheet. He came into this contest with three assists in seven games, but scored his first goal as an Oiler. The puck bounced past Utah’s defender, and Joseph used his incredible speed to win the race to the puck and scored high glove on the breakaway.

The 29-year-old also had another breakaway in the second period but was denied. He made a nifty backhand move, but Vejmelka robbed him with the left pad. He finished with two shots, two hits, and the game-winning goal, playing 12:35. He continues to impress.

Jarry Was Solid

Tristan Jarry had another strong showing. He stopped 26 of 28 shots for an impressive .929 save percentage (SV%). He made some big stops to keep Edmonton ahead.

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Things got scary early in the third period as Utah scored two goals in under two minutes, but you can’t fault Jarry. The first goal was a bullet through a heavy screen. The second goal was extremely bizarre. The puck landed on the net, then bounced off Jarry’s back and into the cage. That was an extremely unlucky bounce, and Jarry played well, so he’s excused. Things could have unravelled as they did in the home opener, but the netminder and the defensive structure around him settled the ship. They learned from past experiences, which is great moving forward.

Ice Time Distribution Was Great

After the last game, head coach Mike Babcock admitted to playing the big guns too much. McDavid played 25:52, and Draisaitl played 23:00 last game. The distribution was great this time, thanks to a huge lead. No forward played over 20 minutes, with McDavid leading with a season-low 19:52. Draisaitl also played a season-low 18:31, and it was the second time he was held under 20 minutes.

Frederic was the only player under 10 minutes, but his fight could have affected his ice time. Hyman only played 16:32 in his return, and Vasily Podkolzin played just 17:30 on the top line. Everyone was involved, and hopefully that continues, especially when more players return from injury. Load management is crucial during a gruelling season.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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