GDB 13.0 Wrap Up: Zach Hyman hat trick leads Oilers to much-needed victory over Kraken
8 months ago
The Oilers have a long way to go, but that was a step in the right direction.
On Saturday evening, the Oilers visited the Seattle Kraken, defeating the NHL’s newest team by the score of 4-1. Moreover, this was Edmonton’s third win on the season, bringing their record to 3-9-1.
Let’s take a look at the Oilersnation’s Player of the Game, as well as things worth mentioning.
Oilersnation’s Player of the Game: Zach Hyman
Was there ever any doubt?
The 31-year-old winger set the tone for the Oilers, scoring on the franchise’s second natural hat trick to have occurred in the first period.
Hyman’s first goal came on a partial two-on-one after a pretty bad pinch from the Seattle defender. Evander Kane was able to slide the puck to Hyman, who converted.
The second goal came from, you guessed it – right in front of the net on a power play. Hyman quickly pounced on a rebound to put the Oilers up 2-0.
His third goal was much of the same, as there was a mad scramble in front of the net before Hyman buried it for his third of the game and Edmonton’s first natural hat trick in the first period since 1986.
With the impressive game under his belt, Hyman now has seven goals and 13 points on the season.
THE WRAP UP IS PRESENTED BY BETWAY
Things worth mentioning…
That was arguably Dylan Holloway’s best game as an Oiler. He scored a late goal in the first period to put the Oilers up four, but he also got into his second NHL fight. Like the first one, it came against Vince Dunn.
Stuart Skinner finished the game, saving 17 of 18 shots for a .944 save percentage. While he wasn’t swamped until the third period, where he faced nine shots, this is Skinner’s first game since the game at Commonwealth, where he finished with a save percentage above .900. Need more of this from the 25-year-old.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were held off the score sheet on Saturday. This was the first time since their November 2 matchup with Dallas where both players were held off the score sheet, and the first Edmonton win without either of them getting a point.
Jay Woodcroft’s job may be saved after the team’s performance on Saturday. Was this a turning point winning? It’s to be seen, but the fact Edmonton returns home with a win to cap off the road trip is huge. It’s also hard to blame the coach for the failings of the team, but that’s a whole different article.
There’s still a long way to go before Edmonton is where they need to be. However, getting out of last position in the NHL is a good start, and they’ll look to start their first win streak on Monday against the New York Islanders.
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