BOSTON (AP) — Adam Henrique notched a pair of goals, and Connor McDavid capitalized on a power play in the midst of the second period to propel the Edmonton Oilers to a decisive 4-0 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night. Stuart Skinner, who briefly exited the game in the latter stages of the initial period following a collision with Nikita Zadorov of the Bruins, quickly returned at the commencement of the second period and exhibited a stellar performance by thwarting 26 shots. The win marked the Oilers’ fourth consecutive triumph and their 12th in the last 15 matchups. Viktor Arvidsson sealed the win with an empty-net goal for Edmonton, although center Leon Draisaitl saw his impressive 14-game point streak come to an end.
This defeat for the Bruins extended their losing streak to five consecutive games, marking their most challenging stretch since interim coach Joe Sacco assumed responsibilities following the dismissal of Jim Montgomery on November 19. Henrique’s initial goal provided the Oilers with a 1-0 lead as he expertly overcame Jeremy Swayman with a precise wrist shot from the slot just 6 minutes and 33 seconds into the game. McDavid further extended Edmonton’s lead to 2-0 at the 11:11 mark of the second period with his 16th goal of the season.
Despite an admirable effort by Swayman, who made 35 saves, the Bruins’ netminder was unable to secure a victory, resulting in his fourth consecutive defeat. Referee Chris Rooney, hailing from Boston, officiated his 1,500th career game, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Takeaways from the game include the Oilers’ notable speed advantage, which proved to be a formidable challenge for the Bruins, as it has for numerous opponents throughout the season. Conversely, the Bruins suffered their second consecutive loss at home following an impressive six-game winning streak on home ice.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when McDavid was sent on a breakaway after receiving a precise pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, ultimately outmaneuvering Swayman with a well-placed wrist shot, merely seven seconds after Skinner denied Pavel Zacha’s clear breakaway opportunity.
Of particular significance was McDavid’s first goal since his instrumental role in the Oilers’ dramatic 3-2 overtime victory against the Bruins on December 19.
Looking ahead, the Oilers are slated to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night, while the Bruins are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Lightning on the same evening.
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This story has been corrected. A previous version contained an incorrect reference to McDavid extending a points streak.
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