Paul Cotter scores in OT as the Canucks beat the Oilers 6-5 in the opener

In a thrilling opener, the Vancouver Canucks emerged victorious with a 6-5 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. The game featured a stellar performance from Paul Cotter, who scored a goal just 1:59 into overtime, propelling the Canucks to a two-goal lead. Marco Rossi, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Max Sasson, and Elias Pettersson also found the back of the net for the visiting Canucks. With a record of 25-49-8 from the previous season, the Canucks were eager to start the year on a high note.

The Oilers' Evan Bouchard led the charge with three goals and two assists, while Vasily Podkolzin chipped in with two goals. As the clock struck 8:56 in the third period, the Oilers took the lead, only for Pettersson to equalize 5:15 later. Bouchard scored twice more, while Podkolzin added two more goals in a frantic finish that sent the game into overtime.

Cotter, who joined the Canucks as a free agent after two successful seasons in New Jersey, became the first player in Vancouver history to score a shorthanded goal in his debut.

Standing out for the Oilers, Bouchard became the first defenseman in team history to score a multigoal game in his season opener, and just the third defenseman in NHL history to achieve such a feat. His performance was equally impressive in the Oilers' history books, as he is just the third blue-liner in the last 30 years to register at least four points in a game that opens the season.

Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, making his debut as both a player and head coach, added another milestone to his career. The Canucks will next face the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.