Podkolzin explains how he's become unexpected Edmonton Oilers playoff hero
The Edmonton Oilers sure are happy that the Vancouver Canucks gave up on Vasily Podkolzin.
It’s been just under two years since the Canucks shipped Podkolzin to the Oilers, and it’s looking more lopsided by the day. The 24-year-old Russian forward has been among Edmonton’s best players this postseason, having two goals and five points through the first five games against the Anaheim Ducks.
Podkolzin was at it again on Tuesday night, scoring the opening goal of a must-win Game 5.
Vasily Podkolzin gets the @EdmontonOilers on the board FAST! 💨 #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/pSp6efXi8r— NHL (@NHL) April 29, 2026
That goal helped kick off a three-goal first period for the Oilers, helping them stave off elimination in a 4-1 victory over the Ducks.
The playoffs are ripe for unexpected heroes to come out of the woodwork, and Podkolzin has done exactly that for the Oilers. While he is usually on a line with Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid, he found a way to contribute on Tuesday night while playing with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman.
So, what has the former first-round pick been doing differently to make such a big impact? According to him, not much.
“I just like to play hard… especially when our season is on the line,” Podkolzin told reporters. “I think everybody has to step it up, and it starts with me. I’m trying my best to keep winning the games.”
"I really like how we responded today. Tomorrow is a new day, we have to fly to Anaheim & be ready for Game 6."
Vasily Podkolzin & Connor Ingram speak to the media after the #Oilers 4-1 win over Anaheim in Game 5 to keep their season alive.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/lEBylhSVRQ
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 29, 2026
At just 24, there is still plenty of room for Podkolzin to continue to grow into a more productive player. He came off a career-best season, putting up 19 goals and 37 points over 82 games.
He was asked after the victory about why things are working so much better in Edmonton.
“I think, just experience. I’ve played a lot of games here, and I’ve played with good players,” Podkolzin said. “When you play with [Draisaitl] or [McDavid], obviously you’ll get a chance offensively, and you’ll start scoring at some point, even a guy like me.
“I don’t really like to talk about myself… but obviously I’m happy with my progress in the last two years.”
His effort is certainly making an impression on his teammates. Podkolzin has been glued to Draisaitl’s wing for the majority of the season because of how much the German superstar likes to play with him.
McDavid has also been impressed with his play, shouting him out after the victory.
“Podzy was great, Podzy has been great,” McDavid said. “He’s been one of our best players all playoffs long. He plays really, really hard. That’s a big goal there, great shot.”
"It was a good start. Podzy set the tone & that whole line did a great job of finding a way to get a couple goals… Holding them off & closing them out was solid."
Connor McDavid speaks following the #Oilers 4-1 win over the Ducks in Game 5.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/yVT1GXkjyq
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 29, 2026
The Oilers have now made it a 3-2 series with Game 6 shifting back to Anaheim on Thursday night. They are still on the brink of elimination, but the pressure will shift onto the Ducks as they try to avoid returning to the Alberta capital for a Game 7.
Podkolzin says the team was happy with how things turned out in Game 5, but they know the job isn’t done.
“Only our group could come back from nothing,” Podkolzin said. “I really like our mood in our locker room, I really like how we responded today, but tomorrow is a new day.
“We gotta fly to Anaheim and be ready for Game 6.”
Puck drop for Game 6 will go on Thursday night at 8 p.m. MDT.