Oilers Win the Chances Race in San Jose
This one was about who earned the better looks, and Edmonton had them. By expected goals — how many chances should have become goals — the Oilers owned it, 4.23 to 1.33, and they also pushed more attempts toward the net. The 3-1 score flatters the hosts more than it flatters the visitors.
The bounces told their own story: four shots rang iron worth 2.39 xG, split between both teams. Connor McDavid was the engine (four shots and a helper, plus one off the post), and Mattias Ekholm, Alex Formenton and Vasily Podkolzin turned that territorial edge into finishing that mattered.
For San Jose, Macklin Celebrini provided the reply and, along with Michael Misa, came inches from changing the night with iron hits. That’s a mix of bad luck and not enough finish. In goal, Tristan Jarry stopping 19 of 20 made the lead comfortable rather than being the whole reason it held. The Sharks didn’t get caved in, but the Oilers earned the win where it counts: chance quality.