Oilers Start Road Trip Against Rangers at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, NY – The Edmonton Oilers begin their first road trip of the season Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. The matchup will be broadcast live on Sportsnet at 5:00 p.m. MDT and on the Oilers Radio Network, including 880 CHED.

This five-game journey will take the Oilers to New York for two games before continuing to Detroit on Sunday and concluding in Ottawa next Tuesday. Edmonton looks to build momentum after securing a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in their last outing.

After a loss in a shootout to the Calgary Flames during the home opener, the Oilers rebounded well against Vancouver. “A lot of credit for the guys. Often, when you’re playing well and you’re getting those scoring chances, it’s so easy to cheat the game,” Head Coach Kris Knoblauch said. “I thought they stuck with it, and I thought it was a solid game.”

In their victory, goaltender Calvin Pickard only faced 15 shots, while the Oilers dominated by outshooting the Canucks 37-15. Forward Leon Draisaitl praised the team’s performance, stating, “We played really well, had our legs, and all four lines were kind of going.”

Noah Philp celebrated his first career NHL goal, which came during a fast counter-attack in the second period. “I love playing with both of those guys. They just bring so much,” Philp said, referring to his linemates Kasperi Kapanen and Vasily Podkolzin.

Andrew Mangiapane, in his second game with the Oilers, also stood out, scoring his second goal of the season during his 500th career NHL game. Meanwhile, the Rangers are looking to avoid being shut out in their third consecutive home game after a disappointing 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Rangers’ coach Mike Sullivan felt confident in his team’s performance despite the loss. “We are going to be a tough out this year,” he said, underscoring the belief in turning around their fortune. The Rangers hope to capitalize on playing at home and have their star goaltender Igor Shesterkin ready to face the powerful Oilers offense.

As the Oilers dive deeper into this road trip, their commitment to team defense and scoring depth will be crucial. With key players like Connor McDavid and Draisaitl prepared to lead the charge, the team aims to establish their presence early in the season.

“To get off to a good start builds a lot of momentum and confidence within your group,” Draisaitl noted, emphasizing the importance of tonight’s game against the Rangers.