Brief

Connor McDavid scores first goal as Oilers beat Canucks 9-7

McDavid's first goal and four assists helped Edmonton rally past Vancouver in a high‑scoring showdown.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:44:23 GMT

Connor McDavid recorded his first goal of the 2026‑27 season and added four assists as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Vancouver Canucks 9-7 on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2026, according to the Canadian Press via Winnipeg Free Press.

What happened

Edmonton built a 4-2 lead after two periods and held on despite a late surge by Vancouver. Six Oilers and five Canucks found the net. McDavid’s goal came early, and he later set up teammates Leon Draisaitl (two goals, one assist), Vasily Podkolzin, Kasperi Kapanen and rookie Owen Michaels, who netted his first NHL goal.

What the reports add

The article notes that defenseman Evan Bouchard became the first NHL defenceman to record eight points (four goals, four assists) in a team’s first two games of a season. Goaltender Devon Levi made his first NHL start since Jan. 20, 2025, stopping 15 of 22 shots for Edmonton, while Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen was pulled after allowing a goal and making 12 saves on 20 shots. Backup Leevi Merilainen, claimed off waivers, stopped 10 of 11 shots in relief.

What was said

The piece contains no direct quotations.

How it came about

The high‑scoring contest followed a 6-5 overtime win by Vancouver over Edmonton on opening night a day earlier, an upset covered by Felo News in Canucks stun Oilers 6‑5 in overtime on opening night. Edmonton entered the game seeking to snap a one‑game losing streak.

Key facts

Connor McDavid scored his first goal of the season and added four assists. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Oilers defeated the Canucks 9-7. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Six Oilers and five Canucks scored in the game. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Evan Bouchard recorded eight points in the team's first two games, a first for an NHL defenceman. (winnipegfreepress.com)