Despite being outshot 32-14, the Edmonton Oilers picked up a 4-1 pre-season win over the Kraken Monday night in Seattle.
Oilers forward Xavier Bourgault opened the scoring 6:38 into the game, whacking in a rebound of a Ben Gleason shot off the rush. The Kraken tied it when Kailer Yamamoto tapped in a loose puck in the crease on the power play.
The Oilers were badly outplayed in the second period, but goaltender Jack Campbell held them in the game, making 12 saves.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid fired a low shot past Kraken netminder Philipp Grubauer early in the third. Later, just as an Oilers power play expired, Edmonton defenceman Philip Broberg sent a sharp backhand pass to Bourgault, who zipped home his second of the night.
“I think Xavier has had a really good camp”, Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft said of the 20-year-old. “He’s a really smart player. Last year, he got his feet wet in professional hockey.
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“He’s giving a good account of himself.”
Campbell was strong all night in the Oilers net. Halfway through the third, he manifested a stretching glove save on Jared McCann.
“I learned so much last year and worked super hard this summer on so many things,” Campbell said after the game. “It’s just fun to be back.
“This group’s hungry, and nothing better than being around a bunch of guys that are craving to win.”
Oilers forward Mattias Janmark scored a late empty-netter.
Gleason had two assists and was +4. Campbell made 31 saves.
The Oilers continue the pre-season at home Wednesday against the Calgary Flames. You can listen to the game live on 630 CHED, beginning with The Faceoff Show at 5:30 p.m. The actual game starts at 7 p.m.