hockeyfanland.com

Thursday night’s epic win over the defending Stanley Cup Champions Los Angeles Kings, was one of the most thrilling endings to a NHL game I have ever seen in my life.

The Edmonton Oilers pulled off a miracle tying the game with 1.11 to play, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored to make it a 1-1 game. But wait the referees who had been making bizarre calls all night, catch Sam Gagner for a crease violation, no goal. The knowledgeable hockey fans of Edmonton knew that this was a horrible call and the game is certainly over. Garbage starts hitting the ice... The officials restart the game, and with 4.7 on the clock the unthinkable happens; super rookie, Nail Yakupov ties the game for good! This game is headed to overtime...

"I didn't understand what was happening and was like, 'What am I doing?' I didn't hear anybody because the fans were going crazy," Yakupov said. "It's a great feeling. It's amazing.

Early in overtime, Sam Gagner who was the victim on the original tying–goal that was wiped away makes no mistake on the power-play. The Edmonton Oilers win a thriller, 2-1.

"We haven't had much playoff hockey here lately, but that's as close to that atmosphere as you're going to get. We want to win those tight games, especially against teams like LA. To beat like them this, it feels even more special."

Smiling ear-to-ear in his post-game press conference, Head Coach Ralph Krueger could barely contain his excitement. In his 23 years of coaching experience, he says Thursday's win was the most thrilling one he's ever been a part of.

Not only was this a career defining moment for youngster Nail Yakupov, who showed the world he has the ability to score clutch goals, but I believe this could be a season defining game that can be used to propel the Edmonton Oilers to that playoff spot they so desire. The young Edmonton Oilers must channel the momentum from such an epic victory over the Los Angeles Kings.

"Have you ever celebrated a goal like that?" one reporter asked Yakupov.

"I don't know. Probably. I think so," the youngster said. "I've never played in a building that loud. I think we have the best fans in the world. I didn't hear anything. I think it's good for us, good support for our team.

"They're part of us."