Adam Henrique won the Atturo Tires Player of the Game award for last night’s 3-0 Oilers victory over Vegas after scoring two goals in the first period and going 71.4% in the faceoff circle!

When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Adam Henrique at the trade deadline, the move was lauded not for its flash, but for the versatility and playoff-savvy it brought to a Cup-contending locker room. On Monday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, Henrique showed exactly why he was such a coveted piece, earning the Atturo Tires Player of the Game after scoring two goals in the first period and dominating in the faceoff circle with a 71.4% win rate.

In a 3-0 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champions, Henrique delivered one of his finest performances since donning the blue and orange sweater, reminding hockey fans and pundits alike that, at 34, he still has plenty left in the tank.The Oilers came into the matchup with Vegas facing questions about consistency, especially in the forward group’s depth scoring. While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have continued their world-class production, Edmonton’s ability to get contributions from outside the top six had been a point of scrutiny. Henrique responded with authority.

Just over three minutes into the opening frame, Henrique capitalized on a Vegas defensive lapse, skating into the slot unmarked and burying a quick release past Adin Hill. Rogers Place erupted—not just for the goal, but for what it represented. The veteran center had found chemistry with linemates Warren Foegele and Mattias Janmark, and Edmonton had struck first against a team notorious for starting games strong.

Henrique wasn’t done. Before the period ended, he found the back of the net again, this time on a deflection from a point shot by Brett Kulak. Positioned perfectly in front of Hill, Henrique’s redirection gave the Oilers a two-goal cushion and sent a message that Edmonton was prepared to go toe-to-toe with the NHL’s elite.

“Henrique was phenomenal tonight,” said head coach Kris Knoblauch. “He did everything we ask from our centers—won draws, played smart defensively, drove the net. And obviously, those two goals were huge for us early.”

What made Henrique’s performance even more complete was his work at the faceoff dot. Winning 71.4% of his draws (15 of 21), he controlled possession in key moments, especially during defensive zone faceoffs against Vegas’ top lines. The Golden Knights, one of the better faceoff teams in the league, struggled to generate sustained zone time when Henrique was on the ice.

Faceoffs are often overlooked in box scores, but their impact was felt Monday. The Oilers were able to maintain puck control after Henrique’s wins and limit Vegas’ high-danger chances, which proved essential in preserving the shutout.

“Possession is everything in a game like that,” Henrique said postgame. “Against a team like Vegas, you have to start with the puck whenever you can. It gives our defense a chance to get set, and it lets us dictate play.”

His veteran poise showed throughout the night, especially during penalty kills and late-period draws, where every second of puck possession counts.

While Henrique rightfully earned Player of the Game honors, credit also belongs to goaltender Stuart Skinner, who recorded his second shutout of the season. Skinner stopped all 30 shots he faced and looked calm and composed between the pipes. His most impressive stretch came in the second period when Vegas ramped up the pressure and tested the Oilers’ defensive structure.

“I saw the puck well tonight,” Skinner said. “The guys in front of me did a great job clearing rebounds and keeping their players to the outside. Henrique’s early goals gave us some breathing room, and that makes a huge difference as a goalie.”

It marked a full-team effort, with Skinner, Henrique, and the entire bottom-six forward group playing with discipline and energy.Henrique was acquired along with Sam Carrick in a three-team deal involving the Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning. The move was seen as part of the Oilers’ attempt to bolster depth, especially at center, with eyes on a deep playoff run. Since arriving in Edmonton, Henrique has brought leadership, experience, and two-way responsibility that fans have quickly come to appreciate.

Monday night’s performance, however, may have elevated expectations. No longer seen merely as a depth addition, Henrique is becoming a central figure in the Oilers’ lineup flexibility. He has slotted in seamlessly across all three forward lines when needed and has even taken shifts on the penalty kill and second power play unit.

“Adam’s hockey IQ is off the charts,” said McDavid. “He fits into any situation we throw at him. Nights like tonight—he reminds everyone what he’s capable of.”

Indeed, Henrique’s ability to adapt is what makes him such a valuable asset. Whether it’s centering a checking line or jumping up to play with offensive-minded wingers, he brings a calming presence and an uncanny ability to read the game.

The victory moved Edmonton to within striking distance of the top spot in the Pacific Division and served as a potential playoff preview. The Oilers and Golden Knights have developed a chippy rivalry, one that intensified during last season’s second-round playoff series, which Vegas won en route to their championship.

Henrique, who has over 800 NHL games under his belt and 30 career playoff games, understands the importance of peaking at the right time.

“We know what we’re building toward,” Henrique said. “Games like these get you ready for playoff hockey. It’s physical, it’s tight-checking, and it comes down to execution. If we can play this kind of hockey every night, we like our chances.”

The Oilers certainly looked like a team embracing the grind. Their forecheck was relentless, their defense compact, and their goaltending rock-solid. Most importantly, their depth scoring finally emerged—and Henrique was the spark.

The postgame locker room buzzed with energy, and several teammates were quick to heap praise on Henrique.

“Just a pro,” said Zach Hyman. “He’s been in the league a long time and shows up every night ready to compete. We feed off that energy.”

Janmark, who has seen time alongside Henrique in multiple line combinations, highlighted their chemistry.

“He keeps things simple but smart. He’s always in the right spot, which makes it easy to play with him. Tonight, it felt like we had a lot of zone time and created chances just by keeping pressure on.”

Draisaitl echoed those sentiments, noting Henrique’s calm demeanor and leadership.

“In tight games, you need guys who don’t panic. Henrique gives us that. He’s talking on the bench, reading situations, and tonight, he just flat-out took over the first period.”

With the regular season winding down and playoff seeding still very much in flux, the Oilers’ ability to rely on veterans like Henrique could be a deciding factor. Monday’s shutout win wasn’t just about two points—it was a blueprint for postseason success. Balanced scoring, strong goaltending, and veteran leadership combined for one of Edmonton’s most complete performances of the year.

Next up for the Oilers is a road swing through California, starting with a matchup against the San Jose Sharks. While on paper it’s a softer portion of the schedule, the team isn’t taking any opponent lightly.

“We’re not looking ahead too far,” Knoblauch said. “We’re focused on consistency. Adam’s game tonight is a great example for our younger guys. That’s how you prepare, that’s how you compete.”

Henrique, ever the professional, downplayed the accolades.

“It feels good, sure,” he said of the Atturo Tires Player of the Game nod. “But we’ve got bigger goals. Tonight was a step in the right direction, and I’m just trying to do my part.”

On a night where the spotlight often gravitates toward superstars like McDavid and Draisaitl, it was Adam Henrique who stole the show. With two timely goals, commanding presence in the faceoff dot, and veteran poise, he gave the Oilers exactly what they needed: a reason to believe that their depth can shine when the stakes are high.

Henrique may not be the most glamorous name on the roster, but performances like this one prove he might just be one of the most important.

As the Oilers march toward another postseason, they’ll do so with a newfound confidence in their supporting cast—and a veteran forward who just reminded everyone why he’s still a difference-maker in this league.