Vancouver Canucks edge Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in overtime on Cotter's second goal

Paul Cotter scored twice to lead Vancouver to a 6-5 overtime victory over Edmonton in their season opener Tuesday at Rogers Place.

Cotter's overtime winner came 1:58 into the extra period off a pass from Max Sasson. His first goal — a shorthanded marker at 9:51 of the first period on a 2-on-1 with Arshdeep Bains — was his first of his career.

Marco Rossi, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Elias Pettersson on the power play, and Sasson also scored for Vancouver. Filip Hronek added two assists. Kevin Lankinen made 30 saves on 35 shots.

Evan Bouchard scored three times for Edmonton while Vasily Podkolzin added two goals. Connor McDavid chipped in two assists. The Oilers held a significant shot advantage, outshooting Vancouver after regulation and leading 22-12 after two periods.

The win is a statement for the Canucks after they finished last overall a season ago. New coach Manny Malhotra's team came back from being down 5-2 in the third period as Edmonton clawed back to tie the game before Cotter's heroics ended it.