What Finally Sparked the Oilers' Breakthrough Win vs. Senators - Inside the Turning Point

The Oilers' 3-2 overtime win in Ottawa wasn't beautiful, but it was a fresh breath of air following a three-game losing skid and longer-than-usual road trip.

It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done, and for a team that's been bogged down in its own body language lately, that's enough.

Connor McDavid finally got on the scoresheet, Isaac Howard scored his first career NHL goal off an unprecedented ride with the veterans, and veteran Adam Henrique achieved the 1,000-game mark.

Jake Walman's return brought his trademark heavy shot that proved to be a key factor for Edmonton when it mattered most.

Despite the collapse by the Oilers on a two-goal lead in the third period, they settled and capitalized on an Ottawa sloppy turnover in overtime. It was not a pretty game, rather a survive-and-move-on type of effort that produced two precious points.

Evan Bouchard impressed with a calmness and accuracy, generating elite underlying stats and avoiding expensive errors. Stuart Skinner quietly recorded his 100th career victory, the kind of quiet you'd like from your netminder.

Nevertheless, Edmonton's game is still not quite where it was last year. Puck management still destroys scoring chances, and the burden on McDavid and Draisaitl could cost them.

Even without Kasperi Kapanen, other wingers will get a chance, but the offense remains suffocating after seven games.

Following a home breather against Montreal on Thursday, it's back to the road for a back-to-back vs. Seattle and Vancouver. The Oilers have slowed the bleeding, perhaps, but the schedule doesn't permit resting, only retooling.