The Edmonton Oilers authored a classic comeback story on the road, shaking off a sluggish start and some early defensive lapses to defeat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 on January 8, 2026, at Canada Life Centre.
Slow Start, Strong Finish for Edmonton
Facing a Jets team mired in an 11-game losing streak, the Oilers did not initially apply pressure. Instead, they found themselves in an early hole after an iffy first period. Winnipeg capitalized, building a two-goal lead that put Edmonton on its heels. The Oilers' goaltending also faced scrutiny early in the contest.
However, the game's momentum shifted dramatically beginning in the second period. The Oilers took control of the play, and the Jets, burdened by their lengthy slump, began to wilt under the sustained pressure. By the final buzzer, Edmonton had decisively won the scoring chance battle, with Grade A shots favouring the Oilers 15 to eight.
McDavid Leads the Charge with Historic Streak
Captain Connor McDavid was instrumental in the rally. After a quiet start where he was at fault on Winnipeg's opening goal, the superstar forward ignited as the game progressed. His highlight-reel moment came during a second-period goal rush, where a brilliant deke cut the Jets' lead to 3-2.
That goal was pivotal, extending McDavid's remarkable point-scoring streak to 17 consecutive games. He finished the night with a solid defensive play in the third period and was part of the passing sequence on the game-winning goal, posting a Grade A shots plus-minus of +7 at even strength.
Key Contributors Seal the Comeback
While McDavid provided the spark, his teammates finished the job. Zach Hyman delivered a clutch performance, tying the game 3-3 in the third period with a sensational top-shelf shot off a feed from Darnell Nurse. The play was a testament to Hyman's scoring touch in critical moments.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also played a key role, particularly on the power play. After a minor defensive mistake, he redeemed himself with a perfect pass to set up Evan Bouchard for what would stand as the game-winning goal, completing Edmonton's comeback from the two-goal deficit.
The victory underscored the Oilers' resilience and offensive firepower, while deepening the crisis for the struggling Jets, who were unable to hold onto their early multi-goal advantage.
