Ryan Nugent-Hopkins & Evan Bouchard (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)EDMONTON – “We all know that he’s capable of putting up numbers and scoring and making great plays.”
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins teammates know the value that he brings to the Edmonton Oilers.
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Penalty killer. Powerplay specialist. Two hundred foot player. These are some of the ways to describe the impact that Nugent-Hopkins has on the game every single night.
Leon Draisaitl hasn’t been with the Oilers for as long as Nugent-Hopkins has – no one on this year’s team has played more games for the Copper and Blue than “Nuge.”
After Game 4’s tremendous win against the Dallas Stars, Draisaitl spoke to the media after the game. He highlighted all of the things that have made Nugent-Hopkins an effective player.
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“He touches every part of the game you can think of,” Draisaitl revealed. “In a way, Nuggy (RNH) sacrifices a lot of offense throughout the year for doing everything the right way and being in the right position, and doing all the little things that a lot of guys don’t want to do.”
“He prioritizes that.”
Nugent-Hopkins is one of the best Oilers when it comes to stripping opposing players of the puck on the backcheck. He has an active stick at all times, using his hockey sense to anticipate moves before they happen and intercept plays.
The 2011 first-overall draft pick is having an impressive playoff run. Nugent-Hopkins is currently fourth in playoff scoring with 17 points behind Mikko Rantanen, Draisaitl, and Connor McDavid.
He’s averaging 1:42 a game on the penalty kill, 3:20 on the powerplay, and 19:15 in all situations. Nugent-Hopkins really does touch every aspect of the game.
After recording four point in five games against the Vegas Golden Knights, he’s expoded against the Stars – shining like the star he is.
Nugent-Hopkins has recorded two goals, nine points, and 13 shots. His nine points in the Conference Finals are the highest total of any player.
“Right now, it’s everything at once. He’s been the best player in the series.”
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