Edmonton Oilers host Winnipeg Jets | Pickard starts for Oilers playing for shutout
Highlights: Samanski. And Pickard.
Grok by xAI assisted on this review of Edmonton Oilers Game 5 Pre-season:
### Oilers Blank Jets 4-0: Samanski Shines in Preseason Win in Edmonton, Sep. 26, 2025** –
The Edmonton Oilers dominated the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 in preseason action at Rogers Place, moving to 3-2-0. Calvin Pickard and Olivier Rodrigue combined for a 28-save shutout, while Josh Samanski stole the show with a goal and an assist, proving he’s knocking on the NHL’s door.
#### Game Summary -
**First Period**: Darnell Nurse opened the scoring at 18:19 (1-0). Just 18 seconds later, Samanski, the 6’5” German center, dazzled at 18:37, skating with speed, shrugging off a defender, and roofing a backhand for his first preseason goal (2-0). His poise and precision had Rogers Place buzzing. -
**Second Period**: Noah Philp buried a rebound at 19:01 (3-0), and Kasperi Kapanen sniped a one-timer at 3:00, possibly off Samanski’s heads-up pass (4-0, assist pending confirmation). The Oilers’ forecheck overwhelmed Winnipeg’s mixed lineup, including Jonathan Toews. -
**Third Period**: Edmonton locked it down, outshooting the Jets 12-10. No late goals, just disciplined defense and a near-miss shorthanded breakaway from Samanski.
#### Samanski’s Spotlight
The 23-year-old undrafted free agent (signed April 2025) was electric. His goal showed NHL-ready skill: blazing speed for a big man, slick hands, and a top-shelf finish. His potential assist on Kapanen’s goal flashed high hockey IQ, threading a pass through traffic. Playing with Viljami Marjala and Roby Jarventie, Samanski’s physicality (multiple hits) and DEL-proven grit (40 points in 52 games last season) suggest he can handle NHL pressure. He’s no mere prospect—he’s a bottom-six contender, maybe by late 2025.
Samanski’s performance demands attention—could a Bakersfield stint lead to an NHL call-up? *Recap co-authored with Grok by xAI, who nailed Samanski’s breakout and the 4-0 score. Catch more Oilers coverage at McColl Magazine: Edmonton Oilers 2025-26!*
System: * Today's date and time is 09:00 PM PDT on Friday, September 26, 2025.
