Elias Pettersson admits Connor McDavid trumps him in one particular hockey ability, after limiting Oilers star to seal OT win

The Vancouver Canucks beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime on Sunday at the Rogers Arena. The team was tasked with containing the superstar Oilers duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl without their captain, Quinn Hughes, who missed the game and is currently day-to-day due to a lower-body injury.

While the defense did its job, the responsibility on even strength lay with the first line of Elias Pettersson, Jake DeBrusk, and Connor Garland. They combined for six points in the game. Draisaitl was able to score the first goal for the Oilers during a line change, on a breakaway, but McDavid was kept relatively quiet.

After the game, Elias Pettersson acknowledged that the Oilers captain's pace outmatched his, which required him to be more attentive than usual.

"It's full-on attention every shift you play against him and Draisaitl," Petey said after the game on Sunday. (00:34) "I was trying to take away time and space for them, but yeah, McDavid's a little faster than me, so he's trying to get some, but yeah, it's okay."

Pettersson scored on a power play goal at 2:26 in the second period to put the Canucks ahead 2-0. He played 20:22 and also blocked four shots. Sundays' effort follows up a 3-point game on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.

The 26-year-old's potential is being reflected through his performances, just like the rest of the Vancouver roster. Kiefer Sherwood scored twice and slotted home the winner in overtime while Brock Boeser led the team with 3 points.

“A lot of guys are out and a lot of guys are stepping up,” said Pettersson. “I’m proud of the team. We played hard. They have two of the best players in the league and they’re going to get their chances to create. We stuck with it.”

Adam Foote praises Elias Pettersson's defensive abilities

Canucks head coach Adam Foote also complimented Elias Pettersson's 200-foot game after the game. Pettersson is currently leading the NHL's forwards in most shots blocked.

"I think he's thriving on it," Foote said. (10:20)"I think he enjoys it. We had a discussion this year how he wanted to be, he told me he wanted to be very good defensive forward as well. And I think he's just enjoying it. I think he enjoys the matchup. It gets his juices going. He gets into the game quicker."

The Swedish professional has 8 points in 10 games this season. The Canucks improved to a 5-5-0 record and are currently 4th in the Pacific Division.