The first period was controlled by the hometown team at even strength. Edmonton finished the first period with a 14-8 shot attempt advantage at 5-on-5. The Caps were the more threatening team with the man advantage however, but were unable to get anything past Talbot, who made some great point blank saves to keep the Oilers penalty kill perfect through 20 minutes, and ultimately the game. Fans arriving late thanked both teams for not putting on an entertaining show in the first 20 minutes and fans on the east coast started thinking of bed time.
Midway through the second period, the Oilers found a way through the Caps neutral zone defense.