It seemed as if it was stars vs. stars on Thursday night when the Washington Capitals met the Edmonton Oilers. In the end; however, the Oiler’s stars came through and won the game.
John Carlson had an assist and Alex Ovechkin had two goals for the Capitals; however, these scores were answered by the Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl, who had two goals and an assist, and Connor McDavid, who had a goal and two assists.
Draisaitl put the icing on the cake with the overtime winner, and the Oilers overcame a two-goal deficit to beat the Capitals the 4-3. In an exciting and back-and-forth overtime period, until the Oilers broke out in a 3-on-1 and McDavid assisted Draisaitl on his overtime goal. That goal gives the Oilers a 5-0 record at home for the season. They’ll test that record on Sunday evening against the Florida Panthers.
In this post, I want to share what I believe are five takeaways from this entertaining hockey game.
Related: [Rumors and News]: Oilers Gagner Up But Not In, McDavid Held Pointless, Hall Buzz
Takeaway #1: Connor McDavid Doesn’t Like Losing
Is it my imagination, or is Connor McDavid more demonstrative this season than he’s previously been? I’m particularly thinking of his reaction when he scored the game-tying goal in the third period. He seems more enthusiastic this season than I have seen him before. There’s no doubt winning can have that effect.
As well, McDavid said as much after the game, when he noted: ”Losing two in a row is no fun. We needed to find a way, and we did. It took the full 20 minutes, but we found a way. It was a group effort. Everyone found another gear.”
Takeaway #2: Darnell Nurse Is Becoming an Offensive Force
Darnell Nurse scored the opening goal for the Oilers. It came later in the first period, and gave the Oilers the lead – for a short time. The Capitals then scored three straight goals in the second period, before the Oilers came back.
In total, Nurse has two goals and eight points in 11 games this season. He’s also had 23 shots on goal and 26 hits. He’s really moving into the play more, and with some success. He’s a force. I’m hoping the Oilers sign him to a long-term contract. Word is he actually likes playing in Edmonton.
Takeaway #3: Mikko Koskinen Is the First Oilers’ Goalie In History to Start a Season 5-0
Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen made 25 saves to become the first goalie in team history to start a season with a 5-0 record. Koskinen stopped 25 of 28 shots in total but gave up all three goals in the second period. He’s on a roll, but it’s a team effort – as it always is. He got bailed out by goals by teammates McDavid and Draisaitl, but he held them in when they needed it.
Related: Five Edmonton Oilers Takeaways from the 4-1 Win Over the New York Rangers
Takeaway #4: Sam Gagner Worked Really Hard
It isn’t often I comment in these takeaways about a player who played only a few minutes and who didn’t register on the score sheet, but Same Gagner worked like a demon on the ice – at least from what I saw. His “try” was outstanding. He played just over 11 minutes but was working hard the entire time. It’s good to see him back, and there’s no doubt he playing as if he wants to stay.
Takeaway #5: Alex Ovechkin Is Always a Threat
Alex Ovechkin is simply an amazing hockey player. He dominates the ice like LeBron James dominates the basketball court when he’s on it. As I watched the game, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He had a pair of goals during the second period, giving the Capitals a 3-1 lead going into the third period. One was a tip-in and the other was a great shot to the top corner. Ovechkin extended his points-scoring streak to nine games.
What’s Next for the Edmonton Oilers?
On Sunday evening, the Oilers play the Florida Panthers who come into town with points in their last seven games, but only three wins. It might be Mike Smith’s time in goal, but – then again – Koskinen is playing so well. As of this writing, it isn’t clear who will start in goal.
The Oilers’ record is 8-2-1 and, except for the surprising Colorado Avalanche, they have the best record in the NHL. They’ll look to extend that mark. McDavid has 20 points in those 11 games, and Draisaitl has 19 points. James Neal (9 goals) is second only to David Pastrnak (who has 10 goals).
Another multi-point game for the Oilers’ top line would be nice.
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