Excitement at Rogers Place
Excitement filled Rogers Place as Connor Ingram made a notable debut for the Edmonton Oilers during a thrilling match against the Vegas Golden Knights. His very first save ignited the crowd, leaving Ingram momentarily overwhelmed with joy.
“I kind of blacked out,”
he recounted when reflecting on the cheers from the fans, realizing afterward that the immediate barrage of shots from the Oilers that followed helped settle his nerves.
Oilers Dominate Early
The Oilers showcased their strength right from the beginning, dominating the pace of the game and establishing a commanding 4-0 lead within the first half. A highlight came at the 9:11 mark in the first period when Connor McDavid, known for his explosive plays, skillfully maneuvered around Carter Hart and found the back of the net. McDavid’s aggressive style didn’t just stop there; shortly after scoring, he drew a penalty that highlighted the Oilers’ potent power play.
Taking full advantage of their power play opportunities, Leon Draisaitl connected with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who snuck in surprisingly for an easy goal, putting Edmonton ahead 2-0. Nugent-Hopkins later netted another goal early in the second period, contributing significantly to the team’s momentum. Darnell Nurse then assisted Zach Hyman in a spectacular play at the 7:45 mark, capping off their early scoring spree with a beautiful backhand shot.
Golden Knights Fight Back
Despite a rocky start, the Golden Knights found their footing later on, finally resolving to strike back with a power play goal from Thomas Hertl, who managed to sneak one past Ingram’s blocker. Acknowledging the opposition’s resilience, Oilers’ head coach Kris Knoblauch admitted that the Golden Knights are known for their third-period prowess, crediting them for their come-from-behind efforts.
As the third period unfolded, Vegas surged with two goals early on, prompting a timeout from the Oilers to regroup. Ingram and his teammates ultimately managed to withstand the pressure, relying on their well-established lead even as they missed an opportunity to seal the game with an empty-net goal.
Ingram’s Reflections
Post-game, Ingram expressed satisfaction with his return to the NHL. Reflecting on his journey back, he admitted that finding his rhythm after time away from the game was challenging.
“It’s been hectic, but my job is to stop the puck, and I’m grateful to be here,”
he shared. His absence from training camp was a hurdle, leading to a difficult adjustment period, but he’s slowly regaining his confidence.
Ingram also highlighted the differences he’s noticed between the NHL and AHL, indicating that the faster pace of the NHL has posed a new set of challenges. Still, he appreciates the clarity in gameplay at this level, stating that players often act predictably in ways that facilitate his own preparations within the net.
Grateful for the support of teammates and the early lead they built, Ingram remarked,
“Today, I had a lot of help. Save percentage is a team stat, and our collective effort made my job easier.”
With a renewed perspective, he emphasized that being present in the NHL, regardless of the outcome, was a dream fulfilled.
“There’s more to life than hockey, but winning is still important,”
he concluded.
