In a thrilling overtime finish, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2, ending a rough stretch of six losses in their last seven games. Evan Bouchard stood out, scoring the game-winner and contributing an assist, while Leon Draisaitl continued his scoring prowess with a goal and an assist, marking his 46th goal of the season. Connor McDavid also played a crucial role, assisting twice in the match.

The Canadiens, who had a five-game winning streak snapped, saw Cole Caulfield and Joel Armia find the net, but fell just short in the end. Notable performances included Stuart Skinner, who made 26 saves for the Oilers, outpacing Sam Montembeault’s 29 saves for Montreal. Both forwards Draisaitl and Caulfield showcased their scoring skills, being the only players in the NHL with over 20 even-strength and 10 power-play goals this season.

The Edmonton Oilers snapped a tough streak with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Montreal Canadiens, thanks to Evan Bouchard's game-winning goal. Leon Draisaitl continued his exceptional form, contributing a goal and an assist, while Connor McDavid also shone with two assists. The Oilers had been struggling, losing six of their previous seven games, making this win crucial for their playoff hopes.

Despite the defeat, Montreal's Cole Caufield showcased his scoring prowess, earning a spot in the franchise's history with three four-game goal streaks this season. The Canadiens remain in the hunt for a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, but this loss halted their five-game winning streak. Stuart Skinner made 26 saves for Edmonton, while Sam Montembeault stopped 29 shots for Montreal.

Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner each contributed a goal and an assist as the Toronto Maple Leafs edged the Edmonton Oilers 4-3, breaking a three-game losing streak. Alongside them, William Nylander and Bobby McMann found the back of the net, while Auston Matthews provided two assists. Joseph Woll stood strong in goal, stopping 45 shots, while Stuart Skinner halted 24 for the Oilers. Notable was Nylander's milestone of 30 goals this season, marking his fourth consecutive season hitting this mark.

Defensively, Evan Bouchard's ninth goal was a highlight for the Oilers, as he became their second-fastest defenseman to reach 50 career goals. Despite a late scare when Leon Draisaitl thought he had tied the game, a successful offside challenge thwarted Edmonton's momentum. With this victory, Toronto has maintained dominance over Edmonton, boasting a 12-2-2 record in their last 16 matchups.

John Klingberg's potential success in Edmonton could have significant implications for fellow defenseman Evan Bouchard, especially as Bouchard approaches restricted free agency. With Darnell Nurse already commanding a hefty salary, the Oilers are faced with difficult financial decisions, particularly regarding Bouchard's salary. If Klingberg excels, it may force the team to consider how they will fill Bouchard's role if they cannot retain him.

Moreover, speculation surrounds Winnipeg's Nikolaj Ehlers, whose future remains uncertain as he navigates a contract year. The likelihood of the Jets extending his stay appears slim; various scenarios suggest a possible trade or an exit during free agency. Meanwhile, the Jets are also considering significant trades to strengthen their roster, highlighting the delicate balance teams must maintain as they position themselves for both immediate success and long-term viability.

Alex Pietrangelo has officially withdrawn from the 4 Nations Face-Off due to an undisclosed injury, which will allow him to focus on the upcoming NHL season with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 35-year-old defenseman, who had already missed three games this season due to an upper-body issue, was a key selection for Team Canada. Pietrangelo is the first player to pull out of the competition.

With Pietrangelo unavailable, Team Canada's general manager Don Sweeney will evaluate several candidates to replace him. Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard is a strong contender, having been a notable absence when the rosters were announced. Additionally, Drew Doughty, if fit, could also be in consideration as he recovers from a preseason ankle injury.

The tournament, featuring teams from Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland, is set to take place from February 12 to 20, primarily hosted at Montreal's Bell Centre and Boston's TD Garden.