Hyman scored two goals and McDavid notched six assists as the Oilers romped over the Blue Jackets on Thursday night.
Hyman scored two goals and McDavid notched six assists as the Oilers romped over the Blue Jackets on Thursday night.
It's been a common refrain all season that "the Oilers' luck is starting to turn".
Well, it seems it's finally turned. The Oilers offence exploded again on Thursday night in a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, giving them their fifth win in their last seven games, with at least four goals in each of those wins.
The night started with a celebration of Connor McDavid's 1,000th point, which he tallied against the Nashville Predators on November 14th. While his dog Lenard was the star of the show before the game, McDavid was the main attraction once the puck dropped with a four-assist night.
He got some help on that count from wingman Zach Hyman, returning from a five-game injury absence. Their first connection came halfway through the first period, when he undressed Columbus defenceman Jordan Harris before finding Hyman for a one-time goal to tie the game at 1.
The Oilers didn't look back from there, coming alive for four goals in the second period. McDavid picked up another two assists in the second, finding Leon Draisaitl just two minutes in and feeding Hyman for his second of the night not five minutes later.
Hyman wasn't the only Oiler to reverse his snakebitten ways in the second period, as Jeff Skinner capped off a great shift from his third line with his 5th goal of the season to give Edmonton a 5-2 lead that stood through the end of the period.
McDavid wasn't quite done yet, finding Leon Draisaitl on a late powerplay in the third period to ice the game, 6-3. In a season where the Oilers have had nothing but terrible luck, they overcame two bizarre Blue Jackets goals to cruise to a dominant and much-needed win.
Player of the Game: Zach Hyman
We've already talked about McDavid plenty. His big night aside, Hyman's triumphant return was the true engine behind the Oilers' win on Thursday night. He came away with two goals for the first time this season, and by his own admission could've had even more.
His season-long scoring slump has been one of the biggest problems the Oilers have faced early this season, and even cost him a spot on Canada's roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. If he's found his scoring touch again, look out.
Play of the Game
That being said, it's easier to score when you've got the best player on the planet feeding you the puck like that. That's the kind of chance that hasn't been going in for Hyman all year, and it can only be good news that they're finally starting to find the back of the net.
All in all, the Oilers can feel pretty good about themselves today. They've won four of their last five, five of their last seven, and eight of their past twelve, now firmly one of the hottest teams in the league. These are finally the Oilers we expected at the start of the season.
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