Whatever storyline out of the Edmonton Oilers’ 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild you want to take, you could fill a column’s worth of words about it.

Evan Bouchard, on his 27th birthday, scores the game-winning goal in overtime.

Devon Levi stands tall, keeping the Oilers in a highly contested game.

Edmonton’s power play goes a stunning three-for-five, as the penalty kill negates three Wild chances.

Connor McDavid, in his ninth game of the season, becomes the fastest player in NHL history to put up 20 assists in a season. Yes, you read that right. NHL history. The league’s whole 108-year history. Faster than Wayne Gretzky in 1986-87, faster than Mario Lemieux in 1988-89, and faster than Pat LaFontaine in 1992-93, each of whom did it in 10.

Speaking of McDavid, you could talk about how he and his linemates, Leon Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin, had their worst five-on-five game of the year.

Hell, you could even talk about the Oilers giving former backup goaltender Calvin Pickard a video tribute, to which he received a standing ovation.

“I think the first thing I’d say is it was a great win for our team,” said Oilers head coach Mike Babcock. “Our specialty teams were outstanding coming in. We talked a ton about that, that it was going to be a huge factor in the game, and I thought our specialty teams were fantastic.”

Special teams do feel like the biggest thing of note, considering both teams had their fair share of chances. Edmonton’s big break came late in the first period, long after Joel Eriksson Ek gave the Wild a 1-0 lead as the Oilers’ top line were caught watching.

Wild defenceman David Spacek interfered with Edmonton’s Colton Dach, sending the Oilers to the man advantage. Less than a minute in, McDavid broke into the Wild zone with speed, and got hauled down by Matt Boldy. A five-on-four became a five-on-three, and with a mere 1.8 seconds left in the period, a Leon Draisaitl shot found its way past the Wall of St. Paul, Jesper Wallstedt.

The Wall would become rubble early in the second period, as with the Oilers still on a man advantage, Draisaitl would score again 1:03 into the period. Five minutes later, Mathieu Joseph would score his second of the season, cleaning up a rebound and giving Edmonton a 3-0 lead.

Joseph, however, would get his stick up on Ryan Hartman battling for a puck in the corner, and 45 seconds later, Connor Murphy tripped up Eriksson Ek. Suddenly, the Wild had their chance to get back in the game, but the Oilers penalty kill had other ideas.

Levi would have to make a big stop, but the Oilers otherwise did a great job of limiting the Wild to just two power play shots on three chances all night.

“I think when two good teams like that go at it, a lot of times the special teams is what decides and makes the difference,” said Draisaitl. “And obviously, I think both sides were really strong tonight and ended up winning us the game.”

Minnesota would push hard in the third, much to Babcock’s disdain as he saw his Oilers take their foot off the gas, scoring two goals to force the game into overtime.

After spending two minutes watching the Wild skate around them, the Oilers would catch a break, as Wild defenceman Quinn Hughes hopped over the boards and played the puck too quickly, taking a too many men penalty.

Enter Bouchard, who walked down to the left faceoff circle, wiring a shot over the shoulder of Wallstedt.

“He can sling that thing,” quipped Levi.

Let’s see what that test shows.

Zach Laing is the managing editor at Daily Faceoff Edmonton and news director at The Nation Network. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.PRESENTED BY SOUTHVIEW ACURAAt Southview Acura, luxury isn’t just what you drive, it’s how you’re treated. Family-owned and operated, we’re proud to offer an exceptional selection of new and certified pre-owned Acuras, backed by a service experience built on trust and precision. Whether it’s your first visit or your next, our team is committed to excellence every step of the way. Visit Southview Acura today or online at www.SouthviewAcura.com, where luxury meets reality.