Oiler fans throw hats, give standing ovation after Connor Brown’s first goal in almost two years

It didn’t need to be pretty. When you’re still searching for your first goal of the season in Game 55, you’ll take whatever you can get.

So the jubilation for Edmonton Oilers right winger Connor Brown was understandable and justifiable when teammate Evander Kane banked a centering pass off Brown’s skate and past Washington Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper Wednesday night. It counted for goal No. 1 of Brown’s 2023-24 season. Brown had also finished his 2021-22 campaign with a 14-game scoring drought – then played just four scoreless games in 2022-23 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. All in all, that meant his drought sat at 72 games before Wednesday night. His most recent NHL goal came on March 24, 2022, meaning Brown, 30, had gone almost two calendar years between tallies.

The reaction by the fans at Rogers Place thus felt appropriate. After the goal and a rowdy celebration between Brown and his teammates, the Oiler faithful gave Brown a two-minute standing ovation and rained hats on the ice.