Devils: Meier has three goals and five points in his last five games. Dawson Mercer has two goals and three points in his last two contests. Oilers: McDavid has three assists in his last three games while Leon Draisaitl has two goals. Andrew Mangiapane has a goal and an assist.

After Evan Bouchard’s turnover-filled night drew sharp criticism from head coach Kris Knoblauch, Ekholm came to his teammate’s defense, insisting one bad game doesn’t change who Bouchard is. Knoblauch made headlines Thursday after Edmonton’s 4–2 loss to the New York Islanders, calling out Bouchard’s performance.

Bouchard’s night unraveled with two costly turnovers that led directly to goals. The first came late in the opening period when the Oilers defenseman mishandled the puck in the neutral zone and was stripped by Mathew Barzal, who converted on a clean breakaway.

We have a full slate of hockey action on Thursday night with 11 NHL games on the docket. Every team has now played at least three games, and the New Jersey Devi

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard didn’t try to spin the narrative after playing one of the worst games of his career. The Oilers blueliner took full responsibility for multiple mistakes that cost his team during Thursday’s 4–2 loss to the New York Islanders.

The 2025-26 NHL season is still in its infancy, but a few former Edmonton Oilers players are off to hot starts with their new teams.

See an updated list of injuries, with active and inactive players for the Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Islanders NHL Oct. 16 game.