With the NHL trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, this was the first game the Edmonton Oilers, and their new additions, showcased what they could bring to this team and to a 60 minute hockey game. The Oilers definitely had their work cut out for them last night, as they faced off against one of the top three teams in the NHL: the Dallas Stars. They just so happened to currently have the second best odds to win the Stanley Cup. (+600 behind the Florida Panthers at +500)
Oilers versus Dallas matchup
In a game that was “too close for comfort,” the Oilers scored just enough to keep the game in their favour thanks to Zach Hyman, Connor McDavid and some big hits.
Here were the lineups for tonight’s game:
Now I’ll take a look at the three key factors I had noticed from last night’s game.
Connor McDavid returned to form
It didn’t take long for McDavid to be on the score sheet, as he made a nice move in the offensive zone and was almost able to tuck it home around Jake Oettinger, before finding the stick of Hyman in the crease to put it into the back of the net.
McDavid wasn’t done for the night, as he was able to light the lamp early in the second period with a beautiful backhand shot top shelf. Seconds before, he had made a pretty move around Ilya Lyubushkin on a breakaway.
Welcome to Oil Country Walman
I’m sure that the Oilers newest defenceman Jake Walman made fans very happy, when he was able to find Hyman for a great breakaway chance, off his nice chip pass from his own end. Right to the stick of Hyman, who was able to sneak it five-hole for his second of the night and second of the period.
With four shots on the net (two in the third period), two shot blocks and two hits, Walman had a very solid first game in an Oilers uniform. He had a couple giveaways, but really started to pick up his game in the second period after he made a good hit against Jason Robertson, and an even bigger hit against Mikko Rantanen (Stars newest addition) with 20 seconds left in the period. These are two of the Stars best players by the way.
Third period draws close
Entering the third period with the Oilers having everything firmly in control, the games over right? I don’t think so.
Dallas was able to somehow find their way back into the game with three goals in four minutes and twelve seconds to make it a one goal game.
With goals from Rantanen, Jamie Benn, and Matt Dumba, this game was brought closer than the Oilers anticipated. Lucky enough, the Oilers were able to lock in and prevent Dallas from tying the game, and rewriting the story of the night.
What’s next for the Oilers
The Oilers will be starting the first of a four-game road trip on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres (29th in the NHL) with a record of 24–32–6, good enough for 54 points. The Oilers will use this road trip to try and catch the Vegas Golden Knights for first in their respective division.
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