Oilers Deliver Dominant Shutout Victory
The Edmonton Oilers emphatically returned to winning form on November 29, 2025, securing a decisive 4-0 victory over the Seattle Kraken. After a shaky start to the season, the team delivered a complete performance, finally showcasing the strong defensive structure that has long been absent from their game.
Defensive Strength Leads to Victory
The most significant takeaway from the match was Edmonton's commanding performance at even strength. Unlike many of their first 25 games, the Oilers never appeared vulnerable on defence, controlling the game's flow and capitalizing on timely scoring opportunities. According to the game's metrics, the Grade A shots, which have an approximate 25% conversion rate, were 13 for Seattle and 9 for Edmonton. The more dangerous 5-alarm shots, which go in about 33% of the time, slightly favoured the Oilers at three to two.
Standout Player Performances
Connor McDavid earned an 8-grade with a goal and an assist. After a quiet start, the captain made a beautiful low-to-high pass to Evan Bouchard on the opening goal. He later demonstrated exceptional puck control to help set up the crucial 3-0 goal and scored the final goal himself from a sharp angle. His Grade A shots plus-minus was +3/-2 at even strength.
Zach Hyman also received an 8, contributing a goal and an assist while playing a flawless defensive game. He was not responsible for a single Grade A shot against the Oilers at even strength, a key indicator of his defensive reliability. He made a clever skate deflection on the 3-0 goal and won a critical board battle leading to the 4-0 goal.
Leon Draisaitl graded a 7, registering a goal and an assist. While dynamic on the attack, he had some defensive lapses, including a few failed clearances and a penalty for elbowing Mason Marchment. Nonetheless, his offensive impact was profound, as he beat goaltender Joey Daccord for the 2-0 goal and assisted on Hyman's marker. His Grade A shots plus-minus was an impressive +6/-1 at even strength.
Other notable efforts came from Matt Savoie (6), who broke up an early Kraken 3-on-2, and Andrew Mangiapane (6), who also kept a clean defensive sheet and was the victim of an uncalled holding penalty.
This comprehensive win signals a potential turning point for the Oilers, proving that a commitment to defensive discipline can lead to dominant results on the scoreboard.
