The Edmonton Oilers demonstrated significant improvement from their recent blowout losses but still couldn't solve the NHL's top tier, falling 5-2 to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
A Step Forward, But Not Enough
The result, while another loss, marked a vast departure from Edmonton's previous encounters with the Central Division's powerhouse trio. The Oilers were shellacked 9-1 by the Colorado Avalanche and 8-3 by the Dallas Stars earlier this season. Against the Wild, however, they were close, competitive, and battled hard, showing they are miles better than a few weeks ago—just not at the Wild's level yet.
The defeat leaves the Oilers with an 0-4-1 record against the Central's 'Group of Death'—Colorado, Dallas, and Minnesota—who currently sit 1-2-3 in the overall NHL standings. With the road to the Stanley Cup Final likely to go through one of those cities, closing this gap remains the season's paramount challenge.
Wild's Machine-Like Precision Prevails
The Wild were simply more proficient in key areas, securing their second seven-game winning streak in the last two months and improving to 15-2-1 over that dominant span. They scored clutch goals, received timely saves, and showcased their formidable new defensive weapon, former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes.
Edmonton, meanwhile, failed for the sixth time this season to win a third consecutive game. "We played well against Minnesota both games and unfortunately we haven't had anything to show for it," said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. "After you lose any game you're always disappointed but I liked the guys' effort."
Game Details and Silver Linings
With starting goaltender Tristan Jarry sidelined indefinitely by an undisclosed injury, backup Calvin Pickard stopped 32 of 36 shots. The goals against came on a breakaway, a shot under the crossbar, a rebound, and a net-front redirection, with no glaring soft goals.
The Oilers dug an early hole, falling behind 2-0 within the first 11 minutes. The second goal came during a four-minute power play resulting from a Leon Draisaitl cross-checking penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for arguing with the referee. It was the 12th time in 36 games Edmonton has trailed 2-0.
The team showed resilience in climbing back. Andrew Mangiapane ended a 22-game drought with a crucial goal, and captain Connor McDavid added a power-play marker. Despite the push, the Wild's depth and execution sealed the 5-2 victory, providing a clear measuring stick for the Oilers' ongoing evolution.
