Avalanche Edge Oilers in Shootout Thriller

In a tightly contested matchup, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in a shootout at Rogers Place on April 14, 2026. This victory allowed the Avalanche to win the series 2-1 against the Oilers. The game showcased the high stakes of playoff hockey, with both teams battling for supremacy in the NHL.

The Oilers entered the game with a record of 40-30-11, while the Avalanche boasted a superior record of 53-16-11. Edmonton's recent form showed a mixed bag, with a last ten games record of 6-4, including a loss in their most recent outing against the Los Angeles Kings, where they were shut out 0-1. On average, the Oilers scored 3.2 goals per game while allowing 2.7 during this stretch. Their home record was 3-2 in the last five games, with an average of 2.8 goals scored and 3.0 allowed.

Conversely, the Avalanche also held a 6-4 record in their last ten games but had a recent loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, where they fell 2-3. Colorado's scoring average during this stretch was 3.8 goals per game, while they allowed only 2.6. Notably, they were strong on the road, boasting an away record of 4-0 in their last five games.

In terms of previous meetings, the teams had faced each other five times in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with the Oilers winning three of those encounters. The most recent matchup prior to this game was on March 11, 2026, where the Oilers triumphed 4-3 in Colorado. However, the Avalanche had previously handed the Oilers a heavy defeat, winning 9-1 in their home arena on November 9, 2025.

Injuries played a significant role in the Oilers' lineup, with several key players sidelined. Matt Savoie, Mattias Janmark, Alec Regula, Frederik Andersen, and Adam Henrique were all out due to undisclosed injuries or a lower body issue. This left the Oilers with a depleted roster as they faced a formidable Avalanche team.

The betting market reflected Colorado's status as the favorite, with DraftKings listing the Avalanche at -125 on the moneyline, while the Oilers were positioned at +105. The spread was set at 1.5, and the total was 6.5, with odds of -120 for the over and +100 for the under.

The game unfolded under competitive conditions, with both teams displaying their skill and determination. The first goal came in the second period from Sam Malinski of the Avalanche, who scored with a wrist shot, giving Colorado a 1-0 lead. The Oilers responded shortly after with a goal from Connor McDavid, who also scored with a wrist shot, leveling the game at 1-1.

As the game progressed into a shootout, the tension escalated. In the shootout, Connor McDavid scored for the Oilers, but the Avalanche countered with Valeri Nichushkin and Martin Necas finding the back of the net. Nathan MacKinnon also scored for Colorado, sealing the victory after Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had scored for Edmonton.

Overall, the game was a testament to the competitive nature of both teams, with the Avalanche emerging victorious in a thrilling finish.