Vasily Podkolzin Scores First Goal with Oilers

Vasily Podkolzin scored his first goal as an Edmonton Oiler during a 6-2 victory over the New York Rangers, marking a significant moment after a 42-game drought since March 2023. The goal, assisted by Leon Draisaitl, was particularly special as it coincided with the last night of Podkolzin's parents' visit to Edmonton. His teammates expressed joy at his achievement, noting his hard work and dedication throughout the season, which included a challenging period on the fourth line. Podkolzin emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance, stating that life’s challenges help one grow as both a player and a person. Draisaitl and others were optimistic that this goal could lead to more scoring opportunities for Podkolzin moving forward. The Oilers, currently holding an 11-9-2 record, are showing improvement with a 5-2-1 run in their last eight games.