Pickard posts 21-save shutout as Oilers top Jets 4-0 in preseason

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers rode strong depth play and a 21-save shutout from Calvin Pickard to a 4-0 preseason victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night, a tune-up that showcased the club's young depth and intensified a competition for several roster spots ahead of the regular season.

Darnell Nurse opened the scoring just under 10 minutes into the first period, taking a transition feed and blasting a shot that caromed off the post and in. Josh Samanski doubled the lead later in the frame after a Winnipeg miscue; David Tomasek intercepted a pass behind the Jets net and fed Samanski for a close-range finish. Noah Philp made it 3-0 early in the second with a wrist shot from the hash marks on a play set up by Troy Stecher. Kasperi Kapanen finished the scoring in the third on a rebound after Andrew Mangiapane created traffic in front of the net. Domenic DiVincentiis stopped 16 of 20 shots for Winnipeg.

With many of Edmonton's top-established players resting for exhibition action, the game presented an extended audition for prospects and fringe NHLers. Coach Kris Knoblauch framed the situation plainly after the game, saying the club is seeking "the best players in every...