NEW YORK, NY -Saturday against the New York Rangers was arguably one of Jesse Puljujarvi's best games in an Oilers uniform since being selected fourth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. The Finnish forward not only scored a goal - which came on an effective shift in the first period - but he was assertive, and skated with pace, getting behind the Rangers defence on a few occasions.
Puljujarvi was recalled from the Bakersfield Condors just a day ago, and stepped in with a solid performance in game one.
"I thought he was quite good," said McLellan. "I thought he had a lot of pep in his stride, he looked quicker to me, shooting the puck. I thought some of the things we asked him to do down there showed up in the game today. On an individual side of it, we're happy for him. He had a good game and a good night. He should leave the rink confident and continue to play that way."
Puljujarvi played 15:37 against the Rangers, all at even strength, and finished with five shots on goal and two hits.
BLOG: Puljujarvi's performance
Jesse Puljujarvi scored in his return to the Oilers
© Jared Silber
