Draisaitl's birthday heroics, solid Pickard, and more: 3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers won 3-2 in OT against Detroit Red Wings

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in Overtime on Sunday evening at the Little Caesars Arena. Leon Draisaitl scored twice, including the game-winning tally for the Edmonton Oilers 18 seconds into the OT frame to celebrate this 29th birthday.

Evan Bouchard got the other tally for the Oilers. Meanwhile, J.T. Compher and Andrew Copp got the Detroit Red Wings on the board.

So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Edmonton Oilers took home the extra point against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday evening.

3 reasons why Edmonton Oilers defeated Detroit Red Wings

#3. Calvin Pickard had a strong game

Calvin Pickard got the call against the Red Wings, giving starter Stuart Skinner the night off. Skinner last played on Friday night, shutting out the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0.

So, Pickard started in goal, playing a solid game. He stopped 24 shots, rebounding well after giving up the game’s first goal. He made several good saves, such as sliding across the crease to stop a one-timer from Olli Maatta midway through the first period to keep the game 1-0 in favor of the Wings.

Perhaps his biggest save came on a redirection from Alex DeBrincat. After getting a pass through the slot, DeBrincat jumped in front of the net and tipped the puck, which Pickard stopped after sliding across and getting a piece of the puck.

Pickard’s strong first period allowed the Oilers to stay in the game, eventually tying it in the second. While Pickard didn’t necessarily steal the game for the Oilers, he played well enough to give Edmonton a chance to get their game going.

#2. The Oilers rebounded after getting outplayed in the first period

The first period was basically all Detroit. The Wings outshot the Edmonton Oilers 13-5 in the first frame. Meanwhile, the Oilers came out strong in the second, gradually taking over the period. Draisaitl tied the game roughly eight minutes into the second.

While the Wings took a 2-1 lead into the dressing room after 40 minutes, the third was titled toward the Oilers. Evan Bouchard tied it at 10:47, with the game heading into OT.

#1. Draisaitl’s heroics give the Oilers the win

Leon Draisaitl finished the game with two goals and one assist. His biggest goal was the game-winner early into OT. Draisaitl headed to the net after a brief Oilers’ power play in OT had just ended. Connor McDavid slid a pass to Mattias Ekholm, who then took a shot-pass that landed on Draisaitl’s stick as he was wide-open in the crease.

Draisaitl tipped the puck in and ended the game for the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl’s heroics made the difference, giving the Oilers a much-needed win and two points to show for their efforts.

The Oilers will hit the ice again on Monday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second leg of a back-to-back series.