Podkolzin gets emotional after scoring first Edmonton Oilers goal since father's passing
The Edmonton Oilers somehow found a way to win on Thursday night, and the game-winner was a significant one for Vasily Podkolzin.
It was a roller coaster of victory that saw the Oilers blow a 3-1 lead in the second period, go down 5-3 early in the third, but then cap it off with three unanswered goals to take a 6-5 win. Podkolzin was the hero for Edmonton, burying a nicely placed backhand over the shoulder of Montreal’s Samuel Montembeault.
PODZILLA 🦖 #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/cgcpuMeyK6
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 24, 2025
The goal was significant not only in that it won the game, but it was also Podkolzin’s first of the season, and the first goal he’s scored since his father, Alexander, suddenly passed away last month.
That wasn’t lost on the Russian forward, who was visibly emotional talking about the moment after the game.
“It’s pretty sad and a huge loss for me and my family,” said Podkolzin. “Just playing with the good memory of him, make him proud every day… It’s [been a] tough month; I wasn’t feeling pretty good, but you guys and my teammates make it easier.
“It’s good, it wasn’t our best game, we gotta play much better, but it’s good to find a way to win.”
“Finding a way to get two points is good.”
Vasily Podkolzin shares his thoughts after scoring the game-winner in the #Oilers 6-5 victory. @Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/vZYmdwEeTf
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 24, 2025
After struggling to be an NHL regular with the Vancouver Canucks at the start of his career, Podkolzin has found a home with the Oilers. He has gained the trust of the coaching staff to use him in a top-six role, and the fanbase adores his work ethic on the ice.
Scoring hasn’t come easily for the 24-year-old in the NHL, but this was a big one to help give Edmonton a two-game winning streak and move their record to 4-3-1 on the season. He spoke about the team’s ability to shake off rough moments.
“We’ve been there a million times,” Podkolzin said. “Down two for the Oilers is nothing, the guys prove it all the time.”
One of the other things that Podkolzin does on a routine basis is show up early to practices to work on a variety of things. When asked if that helped him score the goal tonight, he decided to have fun with the media.
“I never practice a pass from the blueline and a backhand [in front of the net]. I’m not [Evgeni] Malkin,” Podkolzin laughed. “I saw him score against the Oilers like 10 years ago, spin-o-rama, backhand top-cheese, I’m not like that, but [mine] was nice.”
It was good to see Podkolzin find a way to get a big goal for the Oilers and have the smile return to his face. It might have been the 27th goal of his career, but it’ll be one that he and his family will remember for quite some time.