EDMONTON – Matthew Savoie scored the game-winning goal as the Edmonton Oilers beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 for their fifth straight win of the season on Thursday.
Edmonton tied Anaheim for first place in the Pacific Division with 87 points, looking to win its first division title since 1987 – the longest drought in NHL history.
Adam Henrique and Vasily Podkolzin also scored for the Oilers (39-28-9), who have won seven of their last nine. Edmonton is now 29-5-5 when scoring first.
The Oilers are on a roll without star forward Leon Draisaitl, out for the rest of the regular season with a lower-body injury.
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Nick Lardis answered for the Blackhawks (27-35-14), who were eliminated from playoff contention for the sixth straight season with a fifth straight loss.
Tristan Jarry recorded 17 saves to earn the win for Edmonton, while Spencer Knight made 31 stops for Chicago. Arvid Soderblom made four saves and allowed one goal as Knight dealt with an equipment problem.
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deal
Blackhawks: Forward Anton Frondell was shut out for the second time in his short career. The 2025 third overall draft pick recently joined the Hawks from the Swedish Hockey League and has five points in his first six games.
Oilers: Rookie forward Savoie continues to impress since joining Connor McDavid on the front line and on the first power play while serving on the penalty kill. He now has four goals in his last five games and 14 points in his last 18.
Key moment
The Oilers finally got the score going 5:32 into the second period after Jack Roslovic picked off Henrique on a clear breakaway. Henrique’s initial shot was blocked, but he sent the rebound into the back of the net for the third time this season and first goal in 50 games, dating back to October 23.
Key statistics
McDavid saw his scoring streak end at five games, but picked up an assist to extend his point streak to six games, totaling 11 during that span. McDavid is two points ahead of Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov for the NHL scoring lead.
In continuation
Blackhawks: Visit the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.
Oilers: Host the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on April 2, 2026.
&copies 2026 The Canadian Press
