The Edmonton Oilers pulled off a gritty overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday night, and now they’re sitting pretty with a commanding 2-0 series lead.
Sure, it wasn’t perfect. But a win is a win, right? Fans lit up social media, buzzing with excitement about the big victory (and, let’s be honest, the officiating too). Here’s the best of how Oilers fans and media reacted online after a thrilling Game 2 showdown with the Golden Knights.
“McDavid and Draisaitl with the worst playoff performances of their careers and still win it in overtime.” – OilersJack via X
“Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are so cool because they could fool everyone into thinking they’re having an off night and then boom they team up to score the OT winner. GOILERS.” – OilersAdam via X
“Oilers probably did not deserve to win that game but holy s**t will I ever take it.” – aimok via X
“Love this team, man. We went thru a lot of injuries and struggles during the regular season, and we’ve already exceeded many skeptics’ expectations. Let’s keep it up!!!” – Haydenminor via Instagram
“So proud of this team. They had nothing in the tank and found a way. How many game winners did Picks stop tonight?” – cdaly via Instagram
“Eichel got undressed before even getting to the dressing room.” – Jared Gibeau via Facebook
Again, this was far from the commanding win that the Oilers had in Game 1 earlier this week. Once again, they found themselves playing catch-up early on. And even with McDavid and Draisaitl not quite firing on all cylinders, they still managed to pull out a win, and ultimately had the last laugh.
That’s hockey for you. Sometimes you sneak away with one you may not have fully earned. After all, how many times over the years have the Oilers been on the wrong side of those nail-biters? Outplaying opponents yet still watching victory skate away? On Thursday, it seems that the hockey gods decided it was Edmonton’s turn.
“I’m blown away that we were able to win that game.” – OilersDaily via X
“We’ll take the W, but I’m not sure we deserve it if I’m being honest.” – Kevin McCurdy via X
“Knights just got robbed.” – Lil Wayne via X
“What an awful game by the Oil – only consolation is that they can play that bad and still pull out the win.” – Werner Heisenberg via Facebook
“Great end but we need to wake up for Game 3 or we’re getting smoked. Vegas will be out for blood in 3 boys need to counter it by being alert.” – Sam Richardson via Facebook
“The Oilers had no business winning after giving up the 4-2 lead & not scoring on the five-minute PP. But then McDavid & Draisaitl just do what they do!” – Mike Levicki via Facebook
There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of honesty and self-reflection. Now, while the spotlight was on Draisaitl and McDavid combining for the overtime winner, Calvin Pickard was the MVP of the game in the eyes of many observers.
Pickard turned aside 28 of 32 shots, helping the Oilers stay in the game when the Golden Knights were trying to bury them early and coming up huge in overtime.
“I never want to hear about goaltending again when the Oilers are 6-0 with *checks notes* Calvin Pickard.” – JamesJohnsonYYC via X
“Holy f****g s**t wake up. Calvin Pickard is the only reason you’re alive right now.” – SchmiddyG via X
“I think Pickard should never have to pay for a drink in this town again. What a game from him, we haven’t seen that since Roli. When you win, when your best players are junk, that’s actually a very good thing.” – Shaun_Chi97 via X
“Awesome win, exceptional goaltending. Pickard and Oilers played hard to win!! McDavid’s pass to Draisaitl to score was exciting for the win. Thanks again.” – Patsy Ann via Facebook
“Pickard kept them in that game! Can’t believe they pulled it off. And kudos to the 4th line.” – Robert Feltham via Facebook
“Pickard is a beast. Kept them in the game long enough to win. Awesome!” – Jason Lockyer via Facebook
Game 2 brought plenty of drama. The Oilers battled from behind (again) for their sixth straight comeback win. There were controversial calls on both sides and glaring penalties that were missed.
This series isn’t over yet. Yes, Edmonton holds a 2-0 lead, but Vegas won’t back down easily. Expect more twists ahead.
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