In a commanding display of depth and secondary scoring, the Edmonton Oilers delivered a resounding 6-0 victory over the struggling Vancouver Canucks on January 17, 2026, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The win came despite the notable absence of superstar forward Leon Draisaitl, who was on a leave of absence in Germany to attend to a family illness.
Secondary Stars Take Center Stage
With one of the league's premier players out of the lineup, the Oilers' supporting cast seized the opportunity. Kasperi Kapanen and Jack Roslovic each scored two goals, while Vasily Podkolzin added a single marker. The offensive outburst was supported by assists from Matt Savoie, Ike Howard, and Curtis Lazar.
The entire six-goal onslaught was concentrated in the second period, marking the first time Edmonton had scored six times in a single period since 2013. The goals came in rapid succession: Roslovic at 3:11, Zach Hyman on the power play at 6:49, Kapanen at 11:42, Roslovic again at 14:31, Kapanen's second at 15:08, and Podkolzin at 16:34.
Jarry's Quiet Night and Canucks' Collapse
While the scoreboard lit up, goaltender Tristan Jarry quietly earned a 31-save shutout in just his second game back from injury. The defensive effort in front of him was stellar, continuing a trend where Oilers goalies have faced limited high-danger chances.
For the Vancouver Canucks, the loss was a tenth consecutive defeat, highlighting profound systemic issues. The performance of high-priced star Elias Pettersson, who finished the game with a minus-four rating, drew particular scrutiny. His struggles this season have been stark, entering the contest with fewer even-strength points than the hard-working Podkolzin, who earns a fraction of Pettersson's $11.6 million annual salary.
Power Play Adjusts, McDavid Back on Track
A key question heading into the game was how the Oilers' potent power play would function without Draisaitl. The unit answered by going one-for-four, with Zach Hyman's goal—his 17th in 24 games—serving as the crucial 2-0 marker that sparked the rout. Hyman's consistent play is strengthening his case for consideration for the Canadian Olympic team.
Meanwhile, Connor McDavid's brief point-scoring drought lasted only one game. The captain registered an assist during the second-period explosion, immediately beginning a new streak after his 20-game run ended the previous Thursday.
The decisive victory underscored a significant theme for Edmonton: their success is not solely dependent on their two megastars. While the quality of the opposition—a Canucks team resembling an expansion squad—must be acknowledged, the Oilers demonstrated that their depth players can dominate when called upon. For Vancouver, the humiliating loss at home deepens the crisis surrounding a franchise that appears to lack the fundamental elements of a competitive NHL team.
