OilersNation has reported:

The Utah Mammoth defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-2 in Edmonton on Thursday, securing their first-ever win in the Alberta capital. The physical game ended the Oilers’ 5-0-1 run entering the matchup and their 5-0-1 lifetime record against Utah. The teams are set for a rematch, which is expected to draw added attention after a contest marked by heavy contact and disputed officiating.

Edmonton returned home following a successful road trip but was missing its entire second line, its third-line centre, a top-four defenceman and its goalie. Jason Dickinson was unable to play after warmups, prompting Filip Hallander to move up to second-line centre and Max Jones to enter on the fourth line. Mike Babcock said Dickinson’s absence was not related to his previous ankle injury.

Utah’s depth allowed it to roll four lines, giving the visitors a significant advantage against the depleted home team. That showed in the opening period, when the Mammoth carried the play and Edmonton managed only three shots. The game was close, but both teams struggled to build momentum through a slow, grinding first two periods.

Jones provided one of Edmonton’s early chances with a rush down the right wing. He cut toward the net and got a shot away after displaying speed, while Hallander continued his strong play in an Oilers uniform and laid out Vincent Trocheck with a solid hit. Josh Samanski later took a high-sticking penalty, and Barret Hayton scored on the power play to put Utah ahead 1-0.

The tight, physical play continued in the second period. Anders Lee interfered with Vasily Podkolzin without a penalty being called, prompting someone on Edmonton’s bench to shout. Officials then assessed the Oilers a bench minor, and Clayton Keller scored on the resulting power play to give Utah a 2-0 lead. The non-call and ensuing penalty were described as a pivotal sequence in the game.

Edmonton responded with a passing play involving Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. McDavid, No. 29, directed the final pass into the net to cut the deficit to one and appeared to give the Oilers a chance to build on the goal. Utah struck back on the next play, however, scoring on a rush to restore its two-goal lead after Shakir Mukhamadullin failed to cover his man.

Emotions rose further when Jack McBain hit Draisaitl from behind and Oilers players rushed in to defend their teammate. Edmonton could not convert on its next power play, and Utah took a 3-1 advantage into the third period. The game included repeated non-calls, with at least half a dozen more cited in the final frame.

The Oilers improved as the game progressed, pressing harder on the forecheck in the third and seeing their top line take greater control. Mukhamadullin made up for his earlier defensive lapse with a shot that found its way in and brought Edmonton within a goal. The Oilers tilted the ice toward Utah’s end and applied pressure in the final minutes, but could not find an equalizer. The Mammoth added an empty-net goal to complete the 4-2 win.

McDavid, Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm were credited with strong performances for Edmonton, while Devon Levi was solid in goal despite facing numerous scoring chances. The game report criticized the officiating for allowing play to continue through multiple infractions, including the sequence that led to the bench minor and Keller’s goal. It also raised the prospect of more consistent use of the rulebook when the teams meet again in Utah.