Kakko scores, but Oilers hand Rangers first loss of the season

Kaapo Kakko broke through, getting his first NHL goal, the first of the game yesterday afternoon against the Oilers. But it was all Edmonton after that, as the Oilers put up four straight goals to remain undefeated and hand the Rangers their first loss of the season.

This game was completely dominated by Edmonton, who ran over the Rangers like they weren’t even there. Based on the numbers from Natural Stat Trick, the Oilers out attempted the Rangers 51-22, out chanced the Rangers 23-11, and outshot the Rangers 21-13 (all at even strength). The lone bright spot for the Blueshirts was their powerplay, as they moved the puck well and got a good amount of chances. Their powerplay is going to be lethal all year, so it’s good to see them clicking right off the bat.

Rangers 1, Oilers 0

What a pass by Ryan Strome here. That little backhander gave the rookie a clear path to the net, and Kakko just waited out Mike Smith and tucked in the finish.

Oilers 1, Rangers 1

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins won the face off clean back to Oscar Klefbom, who put a wrister through a ton of traffic that just eluded everyone and found the back of the net. I counted five guys in front of the net providing the screen. Not an ideal goal to allow.

Oilers 2, Rangers 1

The pass from Connor McDavid to James Neal gets deflected by Jacob Trouba and through Henrik Lundqvist. Hockey happens sometimes.

Oilers 3, Rangers 1

Not quite sure why several Rangers allowed Leon Draisaitl to be all alone in front, uncontested, to take a bunch of whacks after the McDavid shot, but here we are.

OIlers 4, Rangers 1

Draisaitl empty netter.

Shot Heatmap

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. The Oilers had a ton of chances and a good amount from the net mouth. The Rangers, meanwhile, could get anything going at even strength.

Expected Goals

Again, this is basically what we expected to see given how the game went yesterday. Edmonton really opened it up in the second and third periods though.

When a team with the best player in the world comes in, they have a chance to win every game they play. That said, the Rangers did not look good, and quite honestly haven’t in two of their three games this season. Special teams will need to carry the Rangers this season if they plan on making any noise. I think we knew that though. And now for another week off to over analyze everything about this loss.