The Edmonton Oilers achieved a dramatic comeback victory on March 25, 2024, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-4 in overtime. Led by stellar performances from Connor McDavid and Jack Roslovic, the Oilers snapped a three-game losing streak in front of a home crowd at Rogers Place.
Roslovic, a Columbus native and former Blue Jacket, secured the win with a breakaway goal just 56 seconds into overtime. The forward deftly lifted a backhand shot past goaltender Jet Greaves, solidifying the Oilers’ resolve after trailing earlier in the match.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The game featured a flurry of goals from both teams, with Jake Walman contributing significantly for Edmonton with two goals and an assist. His crucial shot from the left circle tied the game at 4-4 with only 58 seconds left in regulation.
The Blue Jackets initially took control of the match, with Ivan Provorov opening the scoring at 11:42 of the first period. Provorov’s snap shot, off a pass from Damon Severson, found the back of the net, beating Oilers’ goalie Stuart Skinner on the glove side.
Walman responded for Edmonton at 17:28 in the first period, leveling the score with a rising shot that evaded Greaves. Columbus regained the lead early in the second period when Monahan capitalized on a rebound, sliding a backhand beneath Skinner’s left pad to make it 2-1.
With 1:38 left in the second, Boone Jenner redirected a pass from Dante Fabbro to extend the Blue Jackets’ lead to 3-1. Yet, McDavid began the Oilers’ resurgence just 58 seconds into the third period, spinning around Denton Mateychuk and roofing a backhand shot from the right circle to pull within one goal.
Columbus seemed to regain control when Adam Fantilli made it 4-2 at 4:19 of the third. During a 4-on-4 situation, Kirill Marchenko assisted Fantilli, who fired a quick shot past Skinner, but the Oilers’ determination shone through late in the game.
McDavid narrowed the gap further at 13:39 in the third period, driving down the right side and sliding a shot past Greaves’ right skate. With the game tied at 4-4, Walman’s last-minute goal forced overtime, setting the stage for Roslovic’s decisive score.
Future Implications and Team Performance
The Oilers’ victory is significant as it not only ends their losing streak but also boosts their morale as they head into the final stretch of the season. Skinner made a total of 15 saves in the contest, while Greaves recorded 19 saves for the Blue Jackets, who have now lost four consecutive games (0-3-1).
As the Oilers and the Blue Jackets look ahead, the teams will reflect on this high-energy matchup. With McDavid’s standout performance and Roslovic’s critical overtime goal, both players have underscored their importance to their respective teams.
The outcome of this game may serve as a pivotal moment for Edmonton as they aim for playoff contention, while Columbus seeks to regroup and find a winning formula in the upcoming matches.