Keller scores twice as Mammoth beat Oilers 4-2

EDMONTON – Clayton Keller scored twice, including an empty-netter with 28 seconds left, as the Utah Mammoth beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 on Thursday night at Rogers Place, ending Edmonton’s five-game winning streak.

The result was the Oilers’ first regulation loss of the season and left them 5-1-1, according to the NHL.com game recap. The Mammoth improved to 6-2-0 and have won three straight.

Utah took control with two power-play goals. Barrett Hayton opened the scoring in the first period by cleaning up a rebound of a point-blank shot from Kailer Yamamoto, and Keller made it 2-0 at 11:57 of the second with a one-timer on the man advantage, with Logan Cooley getting the assist.

Edmonton answered quickly. Leon Draisaitl cut the deficit to 2-1 at 13:54 of the second, sliding a shot through goalie Karel Vejmelka’s legs on a give-and-go with Connor McDavid. Cooley restored the two-goal lead 23 seconds later, scoring on a play set up by Vincent Trocheck.

Shakir Mukhamadullin pulled the Oilers within a goal 1:40 into the third period. His wrist shot from the point deflected off Utah defenceman Andrew Peeke’s skate for his first goal with Edmonton since he was traded from San Jose on July 1. Keller sealed it into an empty net late.

Vejmelka made 21 saves for Utah. Devon Levi stopped 20 shots for the Oilers, and Field Level Media reported that the loss ended his franchise-record run of four straight starting wins with Edmonton.

McDavid’s assist on Draisaitl’s goal extended his season-opening point streak to seven games, according to NHL.com. He has four goals and 14 assists this season. Nick Schmaltz had two assists for the Mammoth, and Cooley finished with a goal and an assist.

The Oilers had been the last NHL team without a regulation loss. They had beaten the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 on Oct. 13 in a game where McDavid had four points. Utah had earlier edged the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4.

The teams meet again Saturday in Salt Lake City in the second game of the home-and-home series. Our sports section will have coverage.

Via NHL.com and Field Level Media.

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