Though the Edmonton Oilers fell 2-1 in the shootout, there were many storylines for the team tonight. First, it was Todd McLellan’s first game in the Shark tank behind the bench for the Oilers, as well as his first time in San Jose since being relieved of his coaching duties in May 2015. Second, Nail Yakupov returned from a sprained ankle and scored the Oilers’ lone goal.
However, all eyes were on Zack Kassian tonight. He made his return to the NHL since being suspended and going through rehabilitation for an alcohol addiction. The only organization to give him a second chance was Edmonton, and after four games, he was called up by the Bakersfield Condors.