The Edmonton Oilers opened their season with a 6-5 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Place.
The result highlighted defensive problems under new head coach Mike Babcock, according to nhl. com and sportsnet.
ca reports.
Edmonton allowed six goals on 23 shots, with goalie Tristan Jarry facing multiple breakaways and odd-man rushes.
Despite a strong offensive effort, including Evan Bouchard's hat trick and two assists, the defensive lapses proved costly.
Babcock Acknowledges Serious Work Ahead
Babcock, hired on June 23 to improve the Oilers' defensive structure, acknowledged the challenges ahead.
"I didn't think for one second it was going to be easy," Babcock said.
"Tonight was an indication that we have serious work to do, and so we're just going to have a look at it tomorrow and show the players and clear it up."
Babcock emphasized the need to set a higher standard after the team strayed from the intended system.
"Playing like that and getting away from what we're supposed to do is unacceptable for us," he added.
Jarry admitted he needed to be better despite the defensive breakdowns.
"I think for myself I have to be better in those aspects, too," Jarry said.
"Just talking about my game, I need one or two of those. I think that's the game changer there and that puts us in a better place."
Despite Vancouver's three-goal surge early in the third period, the Oilers rallied, forcing overtime largely thanks to Bouchard's five-point performance.
Bouchard reflected on the defensive shortcomings and the need for commitment to the system.
"You can tell it was our first regular-season game," he said.
"We have to be a lot more detailed than that. Giving up odd-man rushes, giving up five or six (goals), isn't going to cut it."
He insisted the issues were related to buy-in rather than old habits.
"I think it's just about buying in, kind of less thinking," Bouchard said.
"Obviously, it is new and you're going to have some hiccups, but there's little things that aren't the system's fault."
The Oilers had limited time to prepare with a shortened training camp and only two preseason games for veterans.
They are also adjusting to Babcock's coaching style after his NHL bench absence since 2019.
Bouchard remarked on Babcock's directness.
"He tells you what he sees, and that's a good thing," Bouchard said.
"He tells you the way he wants things to be played and he's very direct with it."
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks, rebuilding their roster, secured the win with a 6-5 overtime victory at home.
Canucks' fourth-line forward Paul Cotter, a recent free-agent signing, scored the game-winning goal and contributed significantly throughout the game.
"First game of the season is always going to be crazy. You know, credit to us," Cotter said.
"We'd be silly to think that they were not going to make a giant push."
Veteran coach Manny Malhotra praised his team's resilience despite surrendering a three-goal lead in the third period.
"Not the way we drew it up, for sure," Malhotra said.
"But just the resiliency to stay with it for us was a huge factor in the game. Obviously, the joy of winning a game takes precedence right now."
Canucks players Max Sasson and Zeev Buium also stood out, with Sasson matching up against Connor McDavid and assisting Cotter's winning goal.
Sasson highlighted Cotter's skill.
"He has probably the best hands on the team; I'm going to go on the record with that," Sasson said.
Cotter responded by praising Sasson's work ethic and ability.
"To give him credit, he's worked his butt off for years now, and now he's matching against McDavid all game, which is a huge testament to him," Cotter said.
The Oilers will face the Canucks again on Thursday in Vancouver, with Babcock stressing the importance of defensive improvement.
"If we're going to do things right we're going to have success. If we play like this we're going to be chasing the game," Babcock said.
"To be honest with you, we're fortunate to get a point (tonight).
Great comeback, but in the end we still gave up three chances in overtime in a minute and a half."
