Isaac Howard registered a goal and an assist to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 2-1 preseason victory against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Thursday. Goaltender Tristan Jarry protected the narrow margin throughout the final period to secure the win on the road.
Edmonton established the lead 3:58 into the first period when Howard beat the defense for an even-strength snap shot off a setup from Tomas Cibulka. The Oilers extended the advantage early in the second period as Quinn Hutson scored on a wrist shot at 4:28, assisted by Viljami Marjala and Howard. Vancouver answered shortly after at 6:01 of the second when Linus Karlsson converted on a power-play snap shot, assisted by Zeev Buium and Jonathan Lekkerimäki, to cut the deficit to one.
Jarry collected the decision for the Oilers by turning aside 25 of the 26 shots he faced across three periods. Vancouver split time in net between Chris Driedger, who stopped all seven shots he faced, and Nikita Tolopilo, who took the loss after allowing two goals on 14 shots. The Canucks converted on one of their four opportunities with the man advantage, while Edmonton came up empty on two power-play chances.
Both clubs return to action on Tuesday, October 20. The Oilers host the Minnesota Wild, and the Canucks remain at home to host the Carolina Hurricanes.
