In a much-needed turnaround, the Edmonton Oilers snapped a three-game losing streak with a decisive 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night. It was an important game because the winner would secure 3rd in the Pacific and the loser drop down to a wild card spot. Edmonton pulled out a win they needed it, with strong performances from the big stars. Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all had multi-point games.
The game saw a slow start for the Oilers, who found themselves down 1-0, but a last-minute goal in the first period by Zach Hyman, assisted by Connor McDavid, tied the score at 1-1. Hyman’s goal marked his fifth consecutive game finding the back of the net, extending his career-high to 38 goals in 55 games. McDavid’s assist on the play not only contributed to the comeback but also propelled him to the impressive milestone of 90 points for the eighth straight season, joining the ranks of hockey legends Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, and Paul Coffey as one of the few players in NHL history with six 70-assist seasons.
Defenseman Evan Bouchard played a pivotal role, contributing a goal and an assist, tying him for the NHL lead among defensemen with 15 goals. Bouchard’s accuracy on shots was highlighted by teammate Mattias Ekholm, who praised his effortless precision.
Oilers Held the Kings to Two Goals, a Key During Their Previous Winning Streak
The Oilers’ defensive performance was crucial to their victory, with goaltender Stuart Skinner making an impressive 38 saves. The penalty kill unit, particularly a successful 3v5 kill, swung momentum in the second period.
The win brings Edmonton’s record to 34-20-2, marking a step in the right direction for the team defensively. The Oilers PK unit played a key role in the game, not only killing off penalties but also igniting the team’s offensive momentum. With Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evan Bouchard, and Connor McDavid each earning two points, the Oilers showcased a collective effort that bodes well for their continued success as they push for a strong finish to the season.
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