McDavid, Draisaitl lead Oilers past Canucks 3-2 in opener

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Leon Draisaitl had a goal and two assists, Connor McDavid snapped a third-period tie and Edmonton opened the season with a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in Dave Tippett’s debut as Oilers coach Wednesday night.

McDavid broke a 2-all deadlock with 5½ minutes to play, splitting the defense before beating goalie Jacob Markstrom to the blocker side on a strong solo effort.

Zack Kassian also scored for the Oilers. Mike Smith made 31 saves in his first game with Edmonton.

Alexander Edler and Tanner Pearson had the goals for the Canucks, who won their previous five openers.

The Oilers started the scoring nearly six minutes into the first period when Kassian won a battle in the crease and fed the puck out to Draisaitl, who beat Markstrom.

Smith kept that lead intact through the first, making a huge toe save on J.T. Miller.

Vancouver tied the game 12 minutes into the second shortly after a power play expired as a long-range shot by Edler appeared to hit something in front before getting past Smith.

The Canucks took a 2-1 lead midway through the third when a point drive by Tyler Myers was tipped past Smith by Pearson.

Just more than a minute later, the Oilers knotted the game back up as Kassian picked the top corner after taking a pass from Draisaitl.

NOTES: Markstrom stopped 19 shots. … Tippett won 553 games in his first 14 seasons as an NHL coach with the Coyotes and Stars. … Veteran forward James Neal also made his Edmonton debut. … Among those making their debuts for the Canucks were rookie defenseman Quinn Hughes, forwards Micheal Ferland and Miller, and defensemen Myers and Jordie Benn. … It is the 50th season for the Canucks, who have opted not to officially name their captain until the home opener.

UP NEXT

Canucks: At the Calgary Flames on Saturday.

Oilers: Host the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.