HISTORY IN THE MAKING: Draisaitl Nets Record-Breaking 4th OT Winner as Podkolzin Shines and Pickard Stops 22 in Oilers’ Epic Playoff Victory

In a game that will be remembered not just for the final score, but for the layers of resilience, history, and individual brilliance that unfolded, the Edmonton Oilers once again proved why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL postseason. The atmosphere inside Rogers Place was electric, tense, and alive with anticipation, and what unfolded delivered one of the most unforgettable playoff moments in franchise history. Leon Draisaitl, already a postseason legend in his own right, etched his name even deeper into NHL lore by scoring his record-setting fourth overtime game-winning goal in a single postseason—a feat never before accomplished in the storied history of the league. But this wasn’t just a one-man show. Vasily Podkolzin, a player with limited NHL playoff exposure, delivered a breakthrough performance, scoring once and setting up the game-winner with poise beyond his years. Meanwhile, backup goaltender Calvin Pickard, thrust into the pressure cooker of postseason hockey, turned aside 22 shots to steady the Oilers in a game that threatened to slip away multiple times.

The journey to this monumental win didn’t come easy. The Florida Panthers had come into the game riding the momentum of their physical dominance and an early series lead, looking to extend their control with relentless forechecking and tight defensive zone coverage. But Edmonton, facing the prospect of going down by a daunting margin in the series, answered with every ounce of grit and determination they could muster. The opening minutes showed signs of trouble for the Oilers, with Florida pushing hard and testing Pickard early and often. Yet the journeyman goalie held firm, exuding the calm demeanor of a playoff veteran. He wasn’t just stopping pucks—he was stabilizing a team that had, at times this postseason, struggled with consistency in net. Every save he made seemed to inspire a deeper belief among his teammates.

Vasily Podkolzin lit the spark when he picked up a rebound and snapped home a sharp-angle shot past the Florida goaltender midway through the second period. His goal tied the game and turned the tide of momentum squarely in Edmonton’s favor. It wasn’t just the goal—it was the timing, the situational awareness, and the confidence that marked it as a pivotal moment. For a player still establishing his NHL presence, Podkolzin looked like he belonged. He wasn’t afraid to go to the hard areas of the ice, take contact, and make plays. And when it mattered most, he stepped up again—this time delivering a clean, crisp feed to Draisaitl in overtime after retrieving a puck off a broken play near the blue line. The pass, delivered with precision, allowed Draisaitl to take one stride and rip a laser past the Florida netminder, sealing a win that sent Oilers fans into a frenzy and cemented his place in NHL history.

For Draisaitl, this was not just another goal. It was the kind of defining moment that elevates a career from great to legendary. Already known as one of the most lethal and intelligent forwards in the game, his fourth overtime winner of the 2025 postseason set a new benchmark—surpassing previous records held by some of the game’s greatest clutch performers. His ability to deliver under pressure has become almost expected, and yet, each time he rises to the occasion, the magnitude of his impact grows. Whether it’s threading the needle on a power play, winning a crucial faceoff, or sniping the game-winner in sudden death, Draisaitl has found a way to make the extraordinary feel routine. But make no mistake—what he accomplished on this night was anything but routine. It was historic. It was dramatic. It was vintage Draisaitl.

Equally important, though perhaps less glamorous, was the performance of Calvin Pickard. In relief of starter Stuart Skinner, who had been pulled in a previous outing, Pickard has been asked to do what few backup goaltenders are prepared for—step into the chaos of playoff hockey and become a backbone. With each game, his confidence has grown, and in this contest, it reached a new level. From sprawling pad saves to calmly absorbing rebounds and controlling traffic in front of his crease, Pickard was unflinching. His 22 saves were not of the low-danger variety either; many were made under duress, with bodies crashing the crease and deflections altering pucks mid-flight. His composure under pressure helped Edmonton withstand multiple pushes from the Panthers, including a late-game surge that tested the team’s defensive structure to its core.

The ripple effects of this win go beyond the scoreboard. It was a statement. A statement that the Oilers aren’t going quietly. That the firepower and chemistry of this team, anchored by the likes of Draisaitl and supported by rising contributors like Podkolzin, is enough to overcome adversity. The blend of elite talent and unexpected heroics has been the formula for many championship runs, and in this game, all those elements were on full display. Even head coach Kris Knoblauch’s bench management reflected a strategic confidence that the team was ready for the moment. Line combinations were adjusted, defensive pairings shuffled, and trust was placed in players who delivered when their names were called. Podkolzin’s deployment in overtime alone spoke volumes about the belief within the organization that his time is now.

The Panthers, to their credit, played a hard, physical game. They forechecked relentlessly, blocked shots, and had moments where they looked poised to steal another road win. But what they lacked on this night was the kind of transcendent performance that Draisaitl provided. In the playoffs, sometimes all it takes is one player to tilt the ice, to shift the balance in a game that is otherwise deadlocked. Florida’s stars were held in check by a more disciplined Oilers defensive structure, and while they had their chances, they couldn’t capitalize when the game hung in the balance. Special teams played a role, with both teams exchanging power-play opportunities, but it was Edmonton’s ability to roll four lines and get timely contributions from unexpected sources that made the difference.

There’s also something to be said about the emotion of the game—the intangibles. The roar of the crowd when Draisaitl’s shot hit the back of the net, the way teammates mobbed Pickard in celebration, the sense of collective relief and triumph—it all added up to one of the season’s most cathartic moments. Fans who have waited patiently, and sometimes impatiently, for this core group to break through in a meaningful way now have another unforgettable chapter to point to. The Oilers, a team often praised for their offensive flair but critiqued for their inconsistencies, looked complete on this night. They looked like a team that has learned from its past, that understands what it takes to win, and that is determined to chase the ultimate goal with everything they’ve got.

For Podkolzin, this could mark the beginning of a breakout narrative. For Pickard, it’s a validation of perseverance and preparation. For Draisaitl, it’s yet another bullet point in a Hall of Fame resume that continues to expand with every clutch goal. And for the Edmonton Oilers as a whole, it’s a game that reminded everyone in the hockey world that this team is not just riding talent—they’re building legacy.

As the series now shifts to its next phase, the Oilers carry not just momentum but belief. The kind of belief that only comes from overcoming the brink with contributions from every corner of the roster. Belief that Calvin Pickard can hold the line. Belief that Vasily Podkolzin is more than just a depth piece. Belief that Leon Draisaitl is writing one of the greatest playoff stories the NHL has ever seen. And belief that maybe, just maybe, this is the year everything finally comes together.